Flyers general manager Paul Holmgren said he expects defenseman Chris Pronger to play in the Oct. 6 opener at Boston. After missing 32 games last season plus most of the postseason, Pronger seemed to be questionable at best to appear in the opening-night lineup. After all, before returning to the ice last week, he was off skates for more than four months following May back surgery. Pronger has said he feels good, but there are still three weeks until the opener and the situation could change.

Chris Pronger took to the ice for a 25-minute skate on Friday and he was able to take some slap shots. However, he isn't sure if he'll be ready for the regular season opener. "We'll see how I feel tomorrow," he said. "Having not skated and done anything on the ice in four and a half months, you have to take it slowly and see how you feel day to day. I felt pretty good out there, but usually the first time on the ice is when you feel good _ and then it's day two, three, four and five where you're a little suspect, so we'll see how it goes tomorrow." The veteran defender said his surgically repaired right hand felt completely healed, but he'll probably need a couple weeks before he will be able to practice with the team. Stay tuned.

Chris Pronger is scheduled to begin skating for the first time this summer on Friday. He recently started a weightlifting program after being hampered by four surgeries in 2010-11 on his back, foot, hand, and knee. The Philadelphia veterans are expected to report to the Skate Zone in Voorhees next Friday, but Pronger doesn't think he'll be able to participate. He also said that he isn't sure if he will be ready for the regular season opener, but we'll keep you posted.

The Philadelphia Flyers have acknowledged that their January 2nd game against the New York Rangers will be the 2012 Winter Classic. It hasn't been confirmed that the game will be held at Citizens Bank Park. That being said, it's worth noting that the Philadelphia Eagles have a game scheduled for January 1st at Lincoln Financial Field, so Citizens Bank Park would appear to be the logical choice.

Flyers GM Paul Holmgren is "sore but in good spirits" after being hospitalized as the result of a bicycle accident. According to the police report, Holmgren lost his balance while riding his bicycle and no other bikes, cars, or people were involved in the incident. Holmgren was wearing a helmet and he was alert when police arrive.

Flyers GM Paul Holmgren was in a bicycle accident on Monday. Holmgren's shoulder, as well as some ribs, were broken and some of his other injuries required stitches. The good news is that he's in stable condition as of late Monday night. We wish Holmgren a speedy recovery.

Danny Briere said that Chris Pronger was the team's de facto captain last season. Mike Richards was the team's captain until he was traded this summer, but he certainly wasn't the only leader on that team. With Richards gone, both Pronger and Danny Briere are regarded as potential candidates for the job. Giving Pronger the C would make a lot of sense, but one argument against him could be his health. Pronger was limited to 50 games last season and he's currently dealing with wrist/back injuries. Right now Pronger is reportedly making progress, but he might not be 100% by the start of training camp.

Chris Pronger (back) is scheduled to see surgeon Frank Cammisa in New York City on Friday, according to GM surgeon Paul Holmgren. The Philadelphia defender will likely get the green light to resume full workouts afterward, which he said he needs to get back his strength. Stay tuned for updates.

Chris Pronger expects to play in all 82 games this season despite the fact that he may miss the beginning of training camp. "I'm starting to feel a little better and do a little bit more in the gym," he said. "I was cleared to start riding the bike a little harder. The goal is to be ready for Game 1 of the regular season. I'm starting to progress ... Once I get cleared, I can start to get into full lifting programs." Pronger also said that he doesn't feel any pain in his surgically repaired back, but his right hand that was repaired with a procedure last March is still giving him some problems. He commented that his hand is 80-85 percent healed. We'll keep you posted.

Chris Pronger may miss the start of training camp. Reports out of Philly suggest he is progressing nicely but Pronger will likely miss the beginning of training camp. With a lot of changes in Philly, they can use Pronger in the locker room to lead the group. Pronger has been allowed to step up his rehab in recent weeks.