Flyers Planning More Personnel Changes and Only One Job is Safe

The Philadelphia Flyers fired GM Chuck Fletcher on Friday morning. As unsurprising as it was (141-145-43 under Fletcher), the timing raised suspicion.

Elliotte Friedman reported on 32 Thoughts that the Flyers intended to can Fletcher at the end of the season. However, recent events - namely back-to-back losses to Carolina and Tampa Bay - saw the process expedited. The real question is: why task a GM with navigating the trade deadline if you plan to fire him?

On another note, though, that would explain Fletcher's idleness throughout the deadline process.

Friedman on 32TP talking John Tortorella: "Right now he's the guy, the Flyers put him on their rebuilding letter, it's clear the fanbase believes in what he's doing...It's pretty clear to me he has a big say at least in the roster and who he thinks deserves to be on the roster".— NHL Watcher (@NHL_Watcher) March 10, 2023

It is also believed that Dave Scott - Chairman for Comcast-Spectacor and Governor of the Flyers - is also on his way out via either retirement or a similar fate to Fletcher's. The notion reinforces fan sentiment that wholesale change is needed if the organization is to turn itself around.

Scott has held the position for Comcast-Spectacor since 2013 and led successful initiatives which include: The Wells Fargo Center and the Flyers, the Overwatch League's Philadelphia Fusion, the National Lacrosse League's Philadelphia Wings and the Maine Mariners of the ECHL.

Friedman on 32TP wonders if Dave Scott's leadership of the Flyers is also coming to an end. Whether it's a retirement or something, that position will change too.— NHL Watcher (@NHL_Watcher) March 10, 2023

Friedman also notes that head coach John Tortorella's job is safe, and the Flyers consider him a crucial fixture moving forward.

I mean, is there any other option? Philly was a bonafide lottery team - no question about it - but at least under Tortorella there is a semi-watchable product. His prosperous career combined with his effect on the team make him untouchable - for now.

Friedman on 32TP talking John Tortorella: "Right now he's the guy, the Flyers put him on their rebuilding letter, it's clear the fanbase believes in what he's doing...It's pretty clear to me he has a big say at least in the roster and who he thinks deserves to be on the roster".— NHL Watcher (@NHL_Watcher) March 10, 2023

Lastly, Friedman suggests that the language of the club's release points to a full rebuild, which is an unprecedented turn for the storied franchise. Scott admitted that a 'multi-year process' awaits the Flyers, so don't hold your breath for a playoff team, fans.

Also mentioned as possible promotions were Flyers legend Eric Lindros and Hall of Famers Eddie Olczyk and Chris Pronger.

Generally speaking, this is great news for the Flyers and their fans. The process will be slow and steady, however.

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