Flyers make a big change in upper management.

The Philadelphia Flyers have made a huge organizational change, one that marks a new chapter within the organization itself.

For as long as most hockey fans will remember, former National Hockey League forward Paul Holmgren has been a core part of the Flyers managerial structure. After ending his playing career and spending some time coaching in the NHL, including as both an assistant and head coach for the Flyers, Holmgren would eventually take on a role as a front office executive with Philadelphia. 

In 1995 Holmgren would return to the Flyers as their director of Pro Scouting, but he would quickly rise through the ranks of the organization. The season that followed his first as Director of Pro Scouting would see him promoted to the Director of Player Personnel, a position he also held for only a brief period of time. The following season Holmgren was the organizations assistant general manager, a position he would hold under Flyers legend Bobby Clarke for the better part of a decade. It was during the 2006 - 2007 NHL season that Clarke would step down in his role and Holmgren himself would ascend to the general manager's chair. Holmgren would occupy that position until he was replaced by another Flyers' legend in the form of former Flyers goaltender Ron Hextall, but even then Holmgren continued to rise through the ranks of the organization. When Hextall joined on Holmgren was promoted to president of the Flyers organization, a position he has now vacated. 

According to multiple reports it appears as though current Flyers general manager Chuck Fletcher has supplanted Holgren as the organizations president, and Holmgren will instead be regulated to a much smaller role. Although it is unclear in what capacity he will fulfill his role, Holmgren has been named a special advisor to the team following the promotion of Fletcher. Although he will remain on with the Flyers, Holmgren certainly made this sound like goodbye in his comments following the news.

“It’s been an honor to service this franchise in many different roles throughout my life and I look forward to this next chapter,” Holmgren said as per CBS. “I approached Dave about my idea to step aside to spend more time with my family. I have complete confidence in Chuck in his new role, leading the Flyers to great things.

“The Flyers have given so much to me and my family over the years and I have forged life-long friendships with the many players, coaches, employees and fans who have helped me make Philadelphia home for over 40 years.”

Holmgren has been the target of much criticism during his tenure so many may believe that he was forcibly removed from his position as president, however that does not appear to be the case. The former player, head coach, and general manager reportedly approached Comcast Spectacor CEO Dave Scott months ago in an attempt to get the ball rolling on this move. 

“I first approached Dave about this back in June of 2018,” Holmgren said. “We talked about where I was in life and how I wanted to start spending more time with my grandchildren and my family. It kind of started there and we went through the year and nailed down the details as we went along.

“Where I’m at, I have eight grandchildren that I like and want to get to know. I want to be around. I’ve spent a long time in the hockey world, it’s been a long time with the Flyers and I felt as I went through this year particularly, I thought it’s time to step aside and move on to a different phase in my life.”

I wish him nothing but the best on his future endeavors.