The Fan Blog : Big News>The Flyers Have Fired Their Assistant Coaches

DB acting like he is in charge

I like it, a new beginning is upon us.

I watch hockey, but I don't know much about draft history and protocols. So, I have a few questions that I was hoping more knowledgeable people can provide comments.
What are the odds that the team selects players with the seven picks they have in the first two rounds? I guess the results of the draft lottery and the picks received from the playoff teams will factor in their decision later. Is there any downside in the future to having so many players selected in the first two rounds?
Thanks in advance for sharing your knowledge.

Nothing real surprising here. I figured anyone not named Shaw's days were numbered once Torts was fired

I watch hockey, but I don't know much about draft history and protocols. So, I have a few questions that I was hoping more knowledgeable people can provide comments.
What are the odds that the team selects players with the seven picks they have in the first two rounds? I guess the results of the draft lottery and the picks received from the playoff teams will factor in their decision later. Is there any downside in the future to having so many players selected in the first two rounds?
Thanks in advance for sharing your knowledge.
- ncflyer27613

no expert, but to many might create a log jam, keeping in mind it is not only this seasons picks, but last season picks and the next. Most picks that hit will probably be middle to bottom of line up players, you could end up with to many of them and no place for them to grow next. If there is a deal out there, it would be better to use some of the picks to move up or find a young player closer to making the big squad

With how bad the goalies were, it’s a little surprising that Dilly’s sticking around.

Nothing real surprising here. I figured anyone not named Shaw's days were numbered once Torts was fired
- xShoot4WarAmpsx

Whoever is hired to be the coach I hope they allow that person to select their own assistants. Don’t saddle them with any leftover coaches or force anyone on them. Let the new coach do his own thing

Anyone who thinks the Flyers are going to “Tank” by design next season are setting themselves up for disappointment. This will be the 3rd off season for this management team. They have shown no; to very little progress so far. They will have to show big improvement this year. Briere and Jones do not have an unlimited number of years to turn this around.

- They will 100% look to address the goaltending and improve it. They have no choice. There are 20 other guys in that locker room you need to account for as well. At what point would those players start to get disgruntled knowing the goalies are dragging them down. Do they start to ask for a trade? Do they not look to re-sign? Keeping MM happy is also a factor. Any coach, IMO, would want an upgrade to take this job. If not, it is setting them up for failure to an extent.

- Coaching wise (need to hit a home run) hope they do not go the retread route. Pat Ferschweiler is now the hot name ( do not think they have any shot at Carle nor do I think they even get the chance to interview him). I would take him over the retreads though he is 55 years old. He was an assistant on some shall we say not so good Wings teams for 4 years. I do not think he will find much success with the team as currently constructed (though he may want the paycheck and who could blame him); nor would any coach really. The roster just isn’t that good and not much upside left with most of the players on said roster; what you see is what you get. There is also very minimal help on the way in terms of prospects.

- I do believe they will talk to many big-name Free Agents to try to address some weaknesses they have on this team. Will they be successful in landing any? If all said player wants is the biggest contract, then they will have a shot.

- Looking at the current roster pretty much all spots are accounted for which tells me they must move players out (Stating the obvious) if they plan on adding ( which the GM said they will now be doing as The “rebuild” is over). Who they decide to move will be a situation to watch.

- Risto is still alive. The GM said he had surgery 2/3 weeks ago and will be out and not ready to start next season. Same injury as before. Total failure not to moved him when they allegedly could have moved him.

- The draft. I fully expect them to draft a player with shall we say not the highest ceiling. Someone more NHL ready. Saw it somewhere Briere said this draft is 12 deep and they have 12 players on their list. If true and they get the 4th pick won’t be shocked if they move down a few spots while getting another asset. They need to hit a grand slam with this pick; no other option is acceptable. Can easily see them using the other 2 to move up or trade for immediate help. Again, stating the obvious.

- They need to be creative and think outside the Flyers box. Are they capable of doing that?

- I see Luchenko being a slightly higher scoring version of Poehlig. Mid-level 3rd line center. Maybe top end if all goes well. Not faring very well in a very small AHL sample size.

- Will York, Cates, Tyson all get long term deals? Does Cam harbor any resentment? Do they keep Pelletier? Do they tender an offer to Ollie and Grans or let them walk?

Anyone who thinks the Flyers are going to “Tank” by design next season are setting themselves up for disappointment. This will be the 3rd off season for this management team. They have shown no; to very little progress so far. They will have to show big improvement this year. Briere and Jones do not have an unlimited number of years to turn this around.

- They will 100% look to address the goaltending and improve it. They have no choice. There are 20 other guys in that locker room you need to account for as well. At what point would those players start to get disgruntled knowing the goalies are dragging them down. Do they start to ask for a trade? Do they not look to re-sign? Keeping MM happy is also a factor. Any coach, IMO, would want an upgrade to take this job. If not, it is setting them up for failure to an extent.

- Coaching wise (need to hit a home run) hope they do not go the retread route. Pat Ferschweiler is now the hot name ( do not think they have any shot at Carle nor do I think they even get the chance to interview him). I would take him over the retreads though he is 55 years old. He was an assistant on some shall we say not so good Wings teams for 4 years. I do not think he will find much success with the team as currently constructed (though he may want the paycheck and who could blame him); nor would any coach really. The roster just isn’t that good and not much upside left with most of the players on said roster; what you see is what you get. There is also very minimal help on the way in terms of prospects.

- I do believe they will talk to many big-name Free Agents to try to address some weaknesses they have on this team. Will they be successful in landing any? If all said player wants is the biggest contract, then they will have a shot.

- Looking at the current roster pretty much all spots are accounted for which tells me they must move players out (Stating the obvious) if they plan on adding ( which the GM said they will now be doing as The “rebuild” is over). Who they decide to move will be a situation to watch.

- Risto is still alive. The GM said he had surgery 2/3 weeks ago and will be out and not ready to start next season. Same injury as before. Total failure not to moved him when they allegedly could have moved him.

- The draft. I fully expect them to draft a player with shall we say not the highest ceiling. Someone more NHL ready. Saw it somewhere Briere said this draft is 12 deep and they have 12 players on their list. If true and they get the 4th pick won’t be shocked if they move down a few spots while getting another asset. They need to hit a grand slam with this pick; no other option is acceptable. Can easily see them using the other 2 to move up or trade for immediate help. Again, stating the obvious.

- They need to be creative and think outside the Flyers box. Are they capable of doing that?

- I see Luchenko being a slightly higher scoring version of Poehlig. Mid-level 3rd line center. Maybe top end if all goes well. Not faring very well in a very small AHL sample size.

- Will York, Cates, Tyson all get long term deals? Does Cam harbor any resentment? Do they keep Pelletier? Do they tender an offer to Ollie and Grans or let them walk?
- Striiker

I like Pelletier. I'd give him a longer look it I was making the decisions. Bump with 2 more goals tonight in the Phantoms playoff game. He might have a better chance of making the big squad next season than Luchanko. Oh, based on the exit interviews and such it doesn't sound like Michkov had a problem with Torts whatsoever. Another misnomer by some of the whiners on here. Eh what?

I like Pelletier. I'd give him a longer look it I was making the decisions. Bump with 2 more goals tonight in the Phantoms playoff game. He might have a better chance of making the big squad next season than Luchanko. Oh, based on the exit interviews and such it doesn't sound like Michkov had a problem with Torts whatsoever. Another misnomer by some of the whiners on here. Eh what?
- Phillywhiteout

Does seem like Briere had the better eye for talent in the trade, kuzie playing well, Pelletier has some upside, the picks, and frost and farabee still flat line, could change but let’s see what the picks turn into

DB acting like he is in charge
- wcorvette

Great news. I wouldn’t even interview Brad Shaw either. Go with a younger coach with no links to the org except for maybe tocc. I know tocc will likely be interviewed and I think I’d be ok with him despite his links. Certainly cleaning house.

Anyone who thinks the Flyers are going to “Tank” by design next season are setting themselves up for disappointment. This will be the 3rd off season for this management team. They have shown no; to very little progress so far. They will have to show big improvement this year. Briere and Jones do not have an unlimited number of years to turn this around.

- They will 100% look to address the goaltending and improve it. They have no choice. There are 20 other guys in that locker room you need to account for as well. At what point would those players start to get disgruntled knowing the goalies are dragging them down. Do they start to ask for a trade? Do they not look to re-sign? Keeping MM happy is also a factor. Any coach, IMO, would want an upgrade to take this job. If not, it is setting them up for failure to an extent.

- Coaching wise (need to hit a home run) hope they do not go the retread route. Pat Ferschweiler is now the hot name ( do not think they have any shot at Carle nor do I think they even get the chance to interview him). I would take him over the retreads though he is 55 years old. He was an assistant on some shall we say not so good Wings teams for 4 years. I do not think he will find much success with the team as currently constructed (though he may want the paycheck and who could blame him); nor would any coach really. The roster just isn’t that good and not much upside left with most of the players on said roster; what you see is what you get. There is also very minimal help on the way in terms of prospects.

- I do believe they will talk to many big-name Free Agents to try to address some weaknesses they have on this team. Will they be successful in landing any? If all said player wants is the biggest contract, then they will have a shot.

- Looking at the current roster pretty much all spots are accounted for which tells me they must move players out (Stating the obvious) if they plan on adding ( which the GM said they will now be doing as The “rebuild” is over). Who they decide to move will be a situation to watch.

- Risto is still alive. The GM said he had surgery 2/3 weeks ago and will be out and not ready to start next season. Same injury as before. Total failure not to moved him when they allegedly could have moved him.

- The draft. I fully expect them to draft a player with shall we say not the highest ceiling. Someone more NHL ready. Saw it somewhere Briere said this draft is 12 deep and they have 12 players on their list. If true and they get the 4th pick won’t be shocked if they move down a few spots while getting another asset. They need to hit a grand slam with this pick; no other option is acceptable. Can easily see them using the other 2 to move up or trade for immediate help. Again, stating the obvious.

- They need to be creative and think outside the Flyers box. Are they capable of doing that?

- I see Luchenko being a slightly higher scoring version of Poehlig. Mid-level 3rd line center. Maybe top end if all goes well. Not faring very well in a very small AHL sample size.

- Will York, Cates, Tyson all get long term deals? Does Cam harbor any resentment? Do they keep Pelletier? Do they tender an offer to Ollie and Grans or let them walk?
- Striiker

Sorry, but I'm not buying into the notion that Ristolainen could be moved. When you look at the contract, recent history of injury, and complete lack of playoff experience, why would anyone not named Chuck Fletcher want him?

Does seem like Briere had the better eye for talent in the trade, kuzie playing well, Pelletier has some upside, the picks, and frost and farabee still flat line, could change but let’s see what the picks turn into
- wcorvette

Kuzie playing well until he gets his next big contract. Seems to be his MO. Will be interesting to see what kind of contract Frost gets. Those 2 guys did virtually nothing while helping Calgary MISS the playoffs.

Sorry, but I'm not buying into the notion that Ristolainen could be moved. When you look at the contract, recent history of injury, and complete lack of playoff experience, why would anyone not named Chuck Fletcher want him?
- BaronVonShiznit

Nothing to buy. I will take what the numerous writers reported that he could have been moved.

Great news. I wouldn’t even interview Brad Shaw either. Go with a younger coach with no links to the org except for maybe tocc. I know tocc will likely be interviewed and I think I’d be ok with him despite his links. Certainly cleaning house.
- Hextall271

What has Tocchet done in his coaching career that would want you to have him coach this team?

So far so good for the Flyers draft prospects. Both the Oilers and Avs are down in their series. We could be looking at a couple picks in the late teens or early twenties.

Kuzie playing well until he gets his next big contract. Seems to be his MO. Will be interesting to see what kind of contract Frost gets. Those 2 guys did virtually nothing while helping Calgary MISS the playoffs.
- Phillywhiteout

I think DB did well, the next Frost contract was what he avoided, while I like Frost, I can agree not invest higher dollars in him. I did watch a good bit of the Flames games and Frost did fit, but the Flames are as goal starved as much as the Flyers. Farabee was invisible. I could see Frost at 55 points for the Flames, and I see Farabees lid at 20ish goals and 40 points, all replaceable and need upgrades to be a contender, that gives me hope DB is approaching it the right way.

What has Tocchet done in his coaching career that would want you to have him coach this team?
- Striiker

In recent times, he’s taken a rebuilding Vancouver team to division winner and 2nd round. Now things this year went off the rails with demko injured and the drama between Petersen and miller but from what I’ve read, he managed this as best he could as well. I don’t think he won’t eh Jack Adams last year by accident and regardless, I expect him to get an interview.

So far so good for the Flyers draft prospects. Both the Oilers and Avs are down in their series. We could be looking at a couple picks in the late teens or early twenties.
- Sublime55

Was thinking the same. That would be great.

I think DB did well, the next Frost contract was what he avoided, while I like Frost, I can agree not invest higher dollars in him. I did watch a good bit of the Flames games and Frost did fit, but the Flames are as goal starved as much as the Flyers. Farabee was invisible. I could see Frost at 55 points for the Flames, and I see Farabees lid at 20ish goals and 40 points, all replaceable and need upgrades to be a contender, that gives me hope DB is approaching it the right way.
- wcorvette

After being stagnant the last 2 years, now think he is approaching this the right way? They are done subtracting players and now will add. Per the GM. Is that the approach you want?

In recent times, he’s taken a rebuilding Vancouver team to division winner and 2nd round. Now things this year went off the rails with demko injured and the drama between Petersen and miller but from what I’ve read, he managed this as best he could as well. I don’t think he won’t eh Jack Adams last year by accident and regardless, I expect him to get an interview.
- Hextall271

Based on his history the division winner was an outlier. He is not a winning coach and does nothing for me currently. Hiring him to me would be continuing to spin the wheel. What is the upside to having him as coach?

Jack Admas winner is very irrelevant to me when you look at many who have won it and who hasn’t.

As far as I know he is still the Vancouver coach. Or has that changed?

After being stagnant the last 2 years, now think he is approaching this the right way? They are done subtracting players and now will add. Per the GM. Is that the approach you want?
- Striiker

they were never going to tear it down, DB took over when the team and their picks they made during Hextall and CF were still unknowns, DB decided to see what they had, I would have preferred to tear it down, but I also don't live in the past and what won't be. They evaluated, then DB subtracted, ok. DB has done enough for me to sit back and see what happens this off-season. There should be no hast to try and contend, and I think he said that, I hope they have a shot at the top pick in 2026, is that realistic, we shall see.

Based on his history the division winner was an outlier. He is not a winning coach and does nothing for me currently. Hiring him to me would be continuing to spin the wheel. What is the upside to having him as coach?

Jack Admas winner is very irrelevant to me when you look at many who have won it and who hasn’t.

As far as I know he is still the Vancouver coach. Or has that changed?
- Striiker

Last week I believe the club declined its contract option on tocc essentially making him a FA. I believe they are still speaking about him staying but he can move on if he wants. That’s how I understand it. Before that, I would have said the chances were low.

they were never going to tear it down, DB took over when the team and their picks they made during Hextall and CF were still unknowns, DB decided to see what they had, I would have preferred to tear it down, but I also don't live in the past and what won't be. They evaluated, then DB subtracted, ok. DB has done enough for me to sit back and see what happens this off-season. There should be no hast to try and contend, and I think he said that, I hope they have a shot at the top pick in 2026, is that realistic, we shall see.
- wcorvette

What did he subtract? Break it down. All players who the former coach wanted out and Provorov who asked out. Who did he add that is potentially part of the group going forward. Briere was the assistant to Chuck. He was here and needed 2 more years to evaluate? He has done very little during his tenure.

He has flat out said it is time to add. By adding they are not going to be in contention for a shot at the top pick in 2026. Unless they fail which will be not by design. You say they will not tear it down, yet you want them to have a shot at that top pick. How realistic is that possibility?