Photo Credit: Tyger Williams, Philadelphia Inquirer
During a recent media availability Philadelphia Flyers General Manager Daniel Briere mentioned the franchise is not planning to tank this upcoming season.
Specifically Briere stated, “We expect the same thing this year. We’re not tanking any games. We’re not trying to lose on purpose.” We’re going to do things obviously for the future. But at the same time we expect these guys to go out and win every game.”
“We’re not trying to lose, we’re trying to develop our guys in hopefully a winning culture and an environment where they leave everything on the ice every single night” said Briere.
Briere’s comments are noteworthy considering the majority of projections regarding the franchise as the 2023-24 season approaches. Most commonly the Flyers have been projected to finish in the bottom 5 of the NHL.Â
With Briere’s insistence the team is not looking to tank it places an emphasis on the Flyers focus towards internal player development and the culture surrounding their young players. It’s evident the Flyers are not in favor of young players developing their games in an environment promoting tanking and not giving a legitimate effort on the ice.
When assessing where the Flyers currently are in their rebuild the following stance is the appropriate one for Briere and staff to take. The Flyers will likely have a myriad of young players potentially penciled into their opening night lineup.
Such as:
- Owen Tippett
- Noah Cates
- Morgan Frost
- Joel Farabee
- Tyson Foerster
- Cam York
- Emil Andrae
- Egor Zamula
- Carter Hart
- Sam Ersson
Ensuring these players and their development are fostered in an environment and culture that is associated with hard work, accountability and standing up for one another is paramount. Not only to these players’ overall progression but to the foundation of the Flyers roster. Rebuilding teams of decades past have had trouble instilling this type of culture in similar situations. Which in turn prolonged their rebuilds even further (Buffalo Sabres). Something the Flyers are desperately looking to avoid.
Due to John Tortorella being at the helm this upcoming season the Flyers shouldn’t have an issue in regards to getting the team to play hard consistently. That’s a common trait of most Tortorella coached teams. Based on the Flyers organizational philosophy and direction this is the best case scenario for a rebuilding team and its young players trying to develop their skill sets further.
Gettin Gritty Wit It: Episode 180
The Gettin Gritty Wit It podcast is back for episode 180. This week we discussed the topics below and more:
- Depth wins
- Shane Pinto to the Flyers?
- Brent Flahr media availability recap
- Danny Briere media availability recap
- Rookie camp analysis/talk
- Couturier and Atkinson healthy
- Flyers training camp schedule and roster
- Mike Babcock situation
- Brayden Schenn named Blues captain
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Thanks for listening and have a great week everyone!
