Philadelphia Flyers: Danny Briere's Elevation to Interim General Manager Is Step 2

The Philadelphia Flyers hired John Tortorella last year. The ramifications of that internal decision was detailed heading into the start of this season.

Today's move, relieving President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Chuck Fletcher of his duties and naming Danny Briere interim GM, is step 2 in rebuilding the Flyers on and off the ice.  

The organization's decision to split what were Fletcher's positions, since his hire in 2018, into President and GM roles recognizes the complexities of the modern professional sports world. 

Briere has worked for the Flyers for many years following his retirement as a player after the 2014-15 season. He was provided with a comprehensive opportunity to learn all aspects of the organization, and also served in a top role for the Comcast-owned East Coast Hockey League's Mariners of Maine team, which gave him unique and applicable experience he can use now. 

The interviews Briere had in the recent past, including his being a finalist for the Montreal Canadiens GM position, led to the Flyers naming Briere as Special Assistant to the General Manager. 

The Quebec native was drafted in the first round of the National Hockey League's draft in 1996 by the then-Phoenix Coyotes. Brier seems primed to be elevated beyond the interim GM title he earned today. 

And earned is the right adjective to use regarding Step 2, with Step 1 being Tortorella's hire. 

Ron Hextall's Firing - Philadelphia Flyers' Next Steps Await

Ron Hextall's firing was surprising, but not truly a stunner when the news is peeled and depending upon one's perspective.

If Philadelphia Flyers' followers have been questioning head coach Dave Hakstol this season, or in recent seasons, they also know who hired him.

If issues about the team's ongoing goaltending problems have been chewed at length, again, fans know who approved of Brian Elliott's contract and that of Michal Neuvirth's.

If orange and black devotees believe that the team doesn't have enough talent on its NHL roster, or that said prospects aren't available to fill holes, they also know who made those forward, defense, and goaltending calls.

Fans also understand that Hextall guided the organization to positive salary cap territory. That, along with a series of obtained draft picks, provided a good hand to whatever GM is hired next.

President Paul Holmgren's thoughts, via the team's press release on the day of Hextall's termination was as follows, "The Flyers organization has decided to relieve Ron Hextall of his duties as Executive Vice President and General Manager. We thank Ron for his many significant contributions, but it has become clear that we no longer share the same philosophical approach concerning the direction of the team. In light of these differences, we feel it's in the organization's best interests to make a change, effective immediately. I have already begun a process to identify and select our next General Manager, which we hope to complete as soon as possible."

(Photo courtesy of Philadelphia Flyers.)

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My own experience in interviewing Hextall was pleasant. The arguably second-greatest goaltender in team history, trailing only Hall of Famer Bernie Parent, was up front, honest, and reflective.

Rather than offer any detailed take on what's happened, I'll instead choose to observe what happens during the remainder of this season and in the next few years. Yes, that's not standard in an age where people's instant (often emotionally-based) reactions are encouraged and perceived as some type of right. My take reflects my principals and allows all involved parties to be offered respect for efforts and decisions made.

I look forward to becoming friends on Facebook and connecting on Twitter @SeanyOB.