A Consistent Long Term Vision Is Crucial For The Flyers

Photo Courtesy of Alejandro A. Alvarez, The Philadelphia Inquirer 

When addressing the state of the Philadelphia Flyers organization a lot has unfolded throughout the past few seasons. There hasn’t been a distinct plan of action in regards to what the team is looking to do management wise via roster additions. This goes hand in hand with the inability to build and establish an on ice culture and identity of their hockey team. Primarily the most concerning aspect would be the lack of vision surrounding the organization and its path forward as a franchise from this position they are currently in. 

Based on what Chuck Fletcher and staff have accomplished the past two seasons it’s fair for Flyers fans to be skeptical of the General Manager. As the lack of decisive action and mixed messaging has sparked the idea that there may have never been a legitimate plan drawn out in relation to building this team. One could argue a cohesive plan is something that’s just emerged recently since the hiring of John Tortorella. It appears the plan forward is based upon his view of things. Largely in regards to player management and what players he’ll be able to work with moving forward beyond this season. 

One thing to note is the fact that there appears to be a gap between the Flyers GM’s thoughts surrounding the team versus what Coach John Tortorella believes the main purpose of this season is. For example, here is a quote from John Tortorella on the franchise and where this team is currently at in their trajectory. 

“This team needs to be built, and it needs to be built from the footers. We’re not even at the foundation. We’re at the footer position as far as I’m concerned. (We will) try to build this foundation properly.”

On the other hand here is Flyers General Manager Chuck Fletcher’s comments from the same date. This was after the team just snapped a 10 game losing streak. 

“I expect to be more competitive the rest of the way. We’re five points out of a wild-card spot. We’ll see.”

What the above demonstrates is the clear disconnect between the Flyers front office and the Head Coach in regards to the reality of the situation the team is currently in. After snapping a 10 game losing streak John Tortorella focuses on the fact that the team is in a situation where they are building and laying a foundation this season to use and build on for the future. This refers to the culture of the team, its identity, setting a standard and figuring out what players will be a part of the solution beyond this season.

After a team has gone through its 3rd, 10 game losing streak in a 2 season span such comments are warranted. Whereas GM Chuck Fletcher’s statements are the opposite and fail to address the reality of the situation the organization is in as a whole.

Instead of realizing that the team is in a position where the future should be the focus. Fletcher focuses on the short term. In a results based business that is an expected answer. Although, some further transparency on the team’s overall outlook moving ahead especially after such a rough stretch of game is something the fanbase is looking to hear and its where the frustration lies for most. 

Addressing the fact that the future of the team should be the focus. While developing a strategy to build and assemble that future in a particular manner that is indicative of success in the modern day NHL is what the Philadelphia Flyers should be working towards moving forward.

The fact that Chuck Fletcher has not mentioned any of this while his Head Coach has does not inspire any further confidence in the Flyers organization at the moment. A team that is not consistent throughout in its strategies and messaging is certainly not an indicator of future success. Typically, to build a cohesive team, culture and identity all facets of a franchise need to be on the same page. 

When analyzing the comments of John Tortorella and Chuck Fletcher recently the Flyers do not seem to be in a state where the Front Office and Coaching Staff are aligned. This would be in terms of where this team is, what they are and what needs to be done to steer the franchise back onto a successful path.

As a result, it would not be surprising to me if some sort of change is eventually made in the near future where a new General Manager is brought in to overlook the team as they head into arguably one of the most important drafts and off-seasons in franchise history. Concerning an overall outlook and long term vision in relation to the Philadelphia Flyers that is something that needs curating from the ground up at this stage. A fresh start in the front office may be the best thing possible for the team to develop this new path forward and begin establishing a new identity of Philadelphia Flyers hockey.

Gettin Gritty Wit It

The Gettin Gritty Wit It podcast is back for another episode this week. On episode 137 we discussed a variety of different topics including the ones listed below:

• NJ/AVS game recaps 

• Flyers 9-12-5 through 26 games, what’s different between this year and last years team?

• Will Chuck Fletcher make it to the end of the season. What does it mean if he doesn’t?

• Do we believe Briere is the next GM? What happens to Fletcher 

• Is there a disconnect between the front office and coaching staff in where this team is out and how it needs to be built back up ?

• Torts doesn’t seem confident in Hayes playing C. 

• Who are the centers at this point?

• JVR and Atkinson are close to returning 

• Carter Hart having his best season? 

• Sanheim stepping up 

• World Junior training camp invites, Cutter Gauthier, Ethan Samson.

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Have a great week everyone!