Vigneault was fired by the Rangers as they began rebuilding around younger players, giving the impression that he might not be the right coach for a youth-filled roster. But he said playing time will be merit-based.
"There's not one coach that will not play a player that will permit him to win," Vigneault said. "I firmly believe that talent has no age. If a guy who's 19 can step in and help the Flyers win and be competitive, he's going to play. Talent has no age."
Vigneault will begin learning about his players young and old when he coaches Canada at the 2019 IIHF World Championship. Hart and center Sean Couturier will be on the team, and could be joined by Sanheim and forward Claude Giroux. The tournament runs May 10-26 in Slovakia.
On Vigneault's coaching staff with Canada is Dave Hakstol, who was fired as Flyers coach Dec. 17 and replaced by Gordon. Also, Ron Hextall, who was fired as general manager Nov. 26, is part of Canada's management staff. But Vigneault said he won't be consulting them about his new job.
"I'm not going to ask Dave or Ron Hextall anything about players with the Flyers," Vigneault said. "I've said to Chuck, I want to come here with everybody fresh, clean, no preconceived notions. Players are going to come and show me what they can do. Those would be two great sources for me to ask, but I'd rather trust my eyes, get to know them, and get a personal feel for who they are and what they can do and what they can bring."
In 16 seasons with the Rangers, Canucks and Montreal Canadiens, Vigneault is 648-435-98 with 35 ties. He's tied for 12th in NHL history in wins, and his teams have made the playoffs 11 times, including nine straight from 2009-17.
"That's a hallmark of top coaches," Fletcher said. "I think going nine consecutive years making the playoffs, to me, that's where you want to be. I'm a big believer in trying to be competitive every year. Maybe not every year you're perfectly positioned to win the Cup. But if you get in year after year after year, you're going to give yourself some shots."
Vigneault said the Flyers have a chance to shoot pretty high next season.
"I feel that the Flyers are a very good team," he said. "With the proper direction, proper mindset, proper culture and people working together will be a very good team in the near future. ... This is without a doubt one of the best franchises in the National Hockey League. In my mind, and after talking to a lot of people who have been in the game that know this franchise, this team is on the upswing. We're here to work on winning and bringing a Cup."
Photos courtesy of Philadelphia Flyers