Edmonton Oilers: Chris Pronger Excited for Team’s Future
By Eric Friesen
The Edmonton Oilers were led to the 2006 Stanley Cup Final by Hockey Hall of Fame defenceman Chris Pronger. Years later, Pronger believes the team could go on yet another long playoff run this spring.
Pronger was widely considered the top Oiler since Mark Messier before Connor McDavid came to Edmonton. Pronger joined 630 CHED in Edmonton Thursday to discuss memories from 2006, thoughts about McDavid and the Oilers’ progress.
Edmonton Oilers
“Edmonton is on the rise and it doesn’t hurt to get a player like Connor McDavid in the draft,” Pronger told CHED. “They are certainly on the rise and Peter Chiarelli has done an excellent job of putting some pieces together.”
The 42-year-old Dryden, Ontario native said the Oilers trade to acquire Adam Larsson has likely been Chiarelli’s best move thus far.
“The Larsson trade wasn’t popular at the time, but I think has proven to be a pretty big addition for their blue line in solidifying the back end.” Pronger told Stauffer.
Like many others, Pronger was no different in giving heady praise to the Oilers’ 20-year-old captain.
“Edmonton probably has fans just tracking [McDavid] on the ice and hoping he gets the puck,” Pronger said. “Whenever [Mario Lemieux] would get the puck, you knew something was going to happen. And the same is with this kid. He’s so skilled and plays at such a high speed that he can make things happen at any given moment and can breakaway, or create something with his vision.”
Pronger’s Impact
While with Edmonton, Pronger believed the team could make a solid run, despite their struggles in 2005-06.
“I think from the outset we had a pretty good belief in the locker room that we just needed to get a number one goalie,” Pronger said. “And once we made the Dwayne Roloson trade, it took probably only two or three weeks for him to settle in and understand how we played.”
Pronger led the Oilers in assists (16), points (21) and a plus-10 rating in 24 games in the 2006 playoffs. He also ended up skating around 30:57 per game. His most memorable moment came in Game One of the 2006 Stanley Cup Final, where he scored the first-ever penalty shot goal in Cup Final history.
With the Oilers set to make their first playoff appearance in 10 seasons, Pronger is thrilled for his former club.
“I’m certainly excited for the organization, the fan base, and for sure the players and alumni who are a big part of it,” Pronger said. “I think the fans have been waiting for this day, and have been very patient for this team to turn the corner. And the sky’s the limit for the amount of talent and skill they out there.”