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.
