Chris Pronger denying the Toronto GM interview proves the front office has a much bigger role in mind
Photo credit: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images
Chris Pronger flat out admitted he never interviewed for the Maple Leafs GM role but is still open to a potential job — one where he may be suited much better at.
There's been a lot of hoopla around whether or not Chris Pronger is going to be brought aboard the Toronto Maple Leafs for some type of front office position be it a GM, President or advisor of some kind.
He hasn't been shy about his opinions on the team and how they can improve, and it sounded like the retired defenceman was gearing up to get ready to make a huge splash as part of the team.
Chris Pronger gives a firm no when it comes to Maple Leafs' GM vacancy
However that doesn't necessarily ring true and Pronger did his best to set the record straight once and for all. Pronger was asked if he had interviewed for the position and laid to rest any rumours about him being in the front office:
Lot of rumours out there, I'm in the media like you guys. I'm interested in how it plays out, and I know there has been some vicious rumours that I interviewed for the GM role but no I have not interviewed for that role.
I'm excited with this next chapter and as I said, I am open to having a conversation and whether it's fit for me or the other side thinks it's a good fit.
I'm excited with this next chapter and as I said, I am open to having a conversation and whether it's fit for me or the other side thinks it's a good fit.
Pronger was as honest as he could be and there is no reading between the lines when it comes to his role as part of the Maple Leafs executive team.
Though there could be a place for him in a much more important role, and something he may be much better in — player development.
Adding Chris Pronger in development is a much smarter option for Toronto
Well if he can't fix things with contracts and trades, then let him work with the team already there and make them into warriors. He's a player who isn't afraid of losing a few teeth for the sake of winning, and though he was blessed with talent; he's also genuinely a top mind in hockey.
There's going to be a lot of up and coming defenders who could use the help, but he could also help the forward corps out immensely just by virtue of teaching better defence.
It would be quite the coup for Toronto to add Pronger because they have three of the best defensive players in the modern era in development; they have Jake Muzzin and Mark Giordano already in tow.
That could create a defensively rock-solid group that all have winning pedigree and guys like Ben Danford, William Villeneuve, and Noah Chadwick could all benefit heavily from their guidance.
Pronger did say he was open to a position that both he and the office see fit, and right now, helping to develop the Maple Leafs future on the ice fits like a glove.
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