This interview is with former Philadelphia Flyers left wing Brian Propp, who ranks first or in the top three in most offensive categories in team history. I’d like to thank Mr. Propp again for his willingness to answer my questions.
Last Word with Philadelphia Flyers Legend Brian Propp
Jake Aferiat: You still seem incredibly involved with the Flyers, be it being inducted into their Hall of Fame, or being a commentator. I also know you launched a successful Congressional run, and work in real estate. Have you ever thought about or been approached about a front office or coaching position?
Brian Propp: I have not been offered any front office or coaching position with the Flyers. I have not been interested in coaching because it takes away from family time. I have always had other business interests that I preferred pursuing rather than a coaching position.
JA: You’ve recorded 1,004 points in your career, including 97 points twice, yet I have a feeling most casual hockey fans, outside of the Philadelphia Flyers fans, and the current generation may not have know of your career and accomplishments. Does that bother you?
BP: I know that there is a large base of hockey fans in the U.S. and Canada that know about my career and have supported me over the years. I have a fairly large fan base in Europe also since I get requests to sign autographs there every week. They all follow my brianpropp.com web site and see what I am doing. I have been awarded almost every award out there in hockey including the All Time Greatest Left Wing in Canadian Junior Hockey History, The Flyers HOF, Saskatchewan Provincial and Rural HOF, The Saskatchewan Hockey HOF, Philadelphia Sports HOF, Best Left Wing in Brandon Wheat King History, Best Left Wing in Melville Millionaire history along with a few others so I would say that I am not bothered by the people that don’t follow me.
JA: Your Flyers teams, somewhat unlike the recent ones, were no strangers to the playoffs. You played in five Stanley Cup Finals, and lost most notably to Edmonton three times. They recently drafted Connor McDavid and have a crop of young guys loaded with potential. Could you see this Oilers team comparing to the ones you faced?
BP: Jake, it will take Edmonton a while to have a team like the middle 80’s Oilers. In the 80’s, the Oilers were powerful for a lot of years because there was no salary awareness among the players so players didn’t know that they could make a lot more money if they changed teams. In today’s game, everyone knows what everyone else makes so it is harder to keep a bunch of superstars together.
JA: The NHL is implementing some new rules for next season, what do you think of them? And what do you think of the potential expansion, and would you like to see a team in your native Saskatchewan?
BP: The NHL is always trying to make the game more fun for the fans so the new rules should be a nice change. I believe there are enough great hockey players to have a couple more teams. It creates jobs for hockey players and I am all for that. I don’t think Saskatchewan has enough population to sustain an NHL hockey team for a long period of time, so even though it would be nice to have a team there, realistically, it probably won’t happen.
JA: Your pedigree is certainly quite impressive and you are a Flyers legend. You played with some great guys and know what it takes to win. Do you think (new Flyers Head Coach) Dave Hakstol can produce a winning team, and who do you want/expect the Flyers to pursue this offseason?
BP: I have seen the Flyers go after a couple of high quality defensemen this summer. I believe that if they can be better defensively, they will make the playoffs. I like the background on Hakstol and he seems to get the most from his players so with this high scoring Flyer team, he should do well.
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