The definition of a leader as defined by the Oxford Dictionary is, “The person who leads or commands a group, organization, or country.” Well folks, Flyers Chris Stewart is that guy.
Some people did not understand the signing of Stewart, and some thought it was just for toughness. However, as the media and fans are starting to find out, there was another reason Stewart was signed by General Manger Chuck Fletcher. Fletcher signed Stewart to be a glue piece in the locker room.
Fletcher has a rich history with Stewart from his days as GM of the Minnesota Wild, as Fletcher traded for Stewart during the 2014-15 season, and then signed him as a free agent for the 2016-17 season. In total, Stewart played two and a half seasons for Fletcher with the Wild. Fletcher got to know Stewart for who he really is…a leader, “It’s my role I sort of embraced it,” Stewart said to me after practice yesterday.
Stewart was in his stall in the locker room yesterday, smiling, and cracking jokes as he continues, “In the last few years of my NHL career, there are a lot of young guys, it’s a pay it forward. There was guys when I was coming up through the ranks that steered me in the right direction. I’m just trying to make them as comfortable as they can. The quicker they become acclimated it will only make this team better.”
Nolan Patrick has been sidelined this season from a migraine disorder. Stewart has helped Patrick, as Patrick mentioned Stewart as a person he has talked to this past Tuesday, when Patrick spoke to the media for the second time this season. I asked Stewart about Patrick, Stewart then proceeded to choke up, as he looked up, “It’s the toughest job in the league to be hurt or injured, or scratched. It’s long days we are creatures of habits. I keep telling him, take it day by day. Worry about what you have to do next.”
Stewart continues, “He’s the second overall pick, there’s a lot of pressure on him. That’s outside pressure, that’s not us. If it takes 40 or 50 games for him to get healthy, it doesn’t matter. He’s going to come back when he is ready, and make an impact for sure.”
Someone had to replace the presence of Wayne Simmonds in the locker room, and Stewart is that guy. Stewart then joked about Kevin Hayes scoring an empty net goal in practice, and then acting like Mike Eruzione from team USA after he scored a goal, “He always has a lot of energy, it’s great for the locker room. It’s fun, the locker room is fun.”
A 19-year-old Prospect in Joel Farabee said, “Chris Stewart has been amazing. He doesn’t have to do what he does, and he didn’t have to invite me for Thanksgiving. That’s just who he is, and it’s great to have around the locker room. This is a tight locker room.” Stewart really has taken over a leadership role for these young prospects, and it really has made a locker-room a breath of fresh air this season.
Photo Credit: Zack Hill
