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.
