Updated

Flyers defenseman Chris Pronger skated Friday for the first time since offseason back surgery.

Pronger missed the majority of the postseason and had surgery to remove a herniated disc from his spinal cord. He was limited to 50 regular-season games this year, scoring just four goals. He also played in just three playoff games, and was a minus-3.

Pronger was bothered by wrist and hand injuries during last year's postseason.

Pronger says he'll take his return slowly. He says he "felt pretty good" on the ice but wants to see how his body recovers.

He won't be ready when the Flyers open training camp Sept. 17. But he's hopeful of being cleared to play in the season opener Oct. 6 at Boston.