On Monday the Philadelphia Flyers announced they have fired general manager Ron Hextall. The team, who has a 10-11-2 record and are in seventh place in the Metropolitan Division, will begin a search for their next GM now.
From team president (and former GM) Paul Holmgren:
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.
Hextall played nearly 500 games in Philadelphia’s net in the 1980s and 90s. In 2014 he was named GM as Holmgren was promoted to president. The Flyers have made the playoffs twice since then, both with first round exits.
One time, Hextall did this:
The Flyers have so far made no announcement about replacing head coach Dave Hakstol, who, yes, the whole Hextall/Hakstol name thing was confusing.
The Flyers were decent at even strength this season but suffered from terrible special teams. Their power play is ranked 25th and their penalty kill is ranked 30th.
The Caps will play the Flyers for the first time on Tuesday, January 8.
