Rocky Thompson’s tenure as a Flyers’ Assistant Coach was indeed challenging, particularly with the Power Play. Under his oversight, the Flyers’ power play unit struggled significantly, ranking near the bottom of the NHL for three seasons (2022-2025) during John Tortorella’s tenure as Head Coach of the Flyers.
The team’s Power Play percentage hovered around a dismal 12-15.5%, with specific rankings like 32nd in 2022-23 (15.56%), 31st in 2023-24 (12.20%), and 32nd in 2024-25 (14.95%), despite having talented players like Travis Konecny, Matvei Michkov, and Owen Tippett. Thompson’s inability to improve this aspect of the game drew criticism, as the unit lacked consistent structure and execution.
Believe it or not, the Flyers dismissed skills coach Angelo Ricci, alongside assistant coaches Rocky Thompson and Darryl Williams, on April 23, 2025. This has opened up a key role in the organization’s coaching staff. Ricci, who served as the Flyers’ skills coach since the 2019-20 season and took on assistant coaching duties in recent years, was known for his high-energy approach and work on individual player development, including stickhandling, shooting, and puck battles. Finding a suitable replacement will be critical for the Flyers, especially as they aim to improve their power play and overall offensive output during their ongoing rebuild. Below are some potential candidates to replace Ricci as skills coach, based on recent discussions, their expertise, and relevance to the Flyers’ needs.
Adam Oates
A Hockey Hall of Famer and former NHL All-Star, Oates has a strong reputation as a skills coach. He served as a skills consultant for the Los Angeles Kings and has coached at the NHL level, including Head Coach of the Washington Capitals (2012-14), and assistant coach with the New Jersey Devils.
Oates is renowned for his ability to enhance players’ offensive skills, specifically with puck possession, playmaking, and power-play execution. These are just some of the areas of the Flyers struggles for the past few seasons. His experience with elite players could benefit some young talents like Matvei Michkov, Tyson Foerster, Owen Tippett, and Travis Konecny.
In the end, his interest in returning to a team like the Flyers, who are in a rebuild, is uncertain. Coupled with the fact he currently runs a successful business called Oates Sports Group, where they train some of the game’s best current players, while working to enhance the skills and development of aspiring pros.
Chris Pronger
Another Hockey Hall of Famer and former Flyer, Pronger has transitioned into coaching and development roles since retiring. He currently works with the Florida Panthers in a player development capacity and has been involved in skills training for defensemen.
Pronger’s history with the Flyers, including his leadership during their 2010 Stanley Cup Final run, makes him a fan-favorite choice. His expertise in defensive play and puck movement could help improve the Flyers’ defensive corps, including players like Jamie Drysdale, Cam York, and Travis Sanheim.
Patrick Sharp
A former NHL forward and three-time Stanley Cup champion with the Chicago Blackhawks. Sharp has been involved in player development since retiring. He has worked with the Blackhawks in a coaching and development capacity and is known for his offensive instincts and leadership.
Sharp’s experience as a skilled forward could translate well to coaching Flyers players in shooting, puck handling, and offensive zone play. Sharp’s coaching experience is relatively limited compared to others, and he currently works with the Flyers in their front office as a special adviser to hockey operations.
Dany Heatley
A former NHL All-Star and prolific goal-scorer. Heatley was hired by the Flyers as a pro scout prior to the 2023-24 season, where he also assisted with helping them on the Power Play. He has previously expressed interest in coaching, and Heatley has worked with young players in development camps and has a reputation for his shooting and offensive skills.
Heatley’s expertise in scoring could address the Flyers’ need for improved finishing, especially on the power play, which ranked 30th in the NHL in 2024-25. Heatley has limited formal coaching experience, but he is skilled enough to become a skills coach for the orange and black.
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