SUNRISE, Fla. (AP) Former NHL MVP Chris Pronger eventually wants to be a general manager, and Florida Panthers GM Dale Tallon saw that as an opportunity.

The Panthers added Pronger to their front-office staff, announcing Thursday they've given him the title of Senior Advisor to the President of Hockey Operations. In simpler terms, he'll be Tallon's understudy of sorts and a part of the brain trust in Florida as the Panthers try to get back to the postseason.

"I like to hire smarter people than myself, to make myself look smarter," said Tallon, who is also the Panthers' hockey operations president. "I've gotten to know him for the last four or five years. He's got a lot to say. He doesn't sugarcoat it. I like his approach. I like his knowledge. He's opinionated and we like a staff that has that in them."