Fletcher hired by Flyers as general manager

Chuck Fletcher was named executive vice president and general manager of the Philadelphia Flyers on Monday.

Fletcher, 51, was in his first season as senior adviser to the general manager and hockey operations for the New Jersey Devils. He replaces Ron Hextall, who was fired as GM on Nov. 26.
"It's been a whirlwind few days, and I'm thrilled," Fletcher said during a conference call. "I'm extremely honored and humbled that (Flyers president) Paul Holmgren and (chairman/chief executive officer) Dave Scott chose me to be the next general manager of the Philadelphia Flyers.
"I've been in the game for many years and the Flyers have been one of the standard bearers of the National Hockey League and one of the best franchises, and to have the opportunity to be the general manager of the Flyers is a dream come true."
Prior to joining the Devils, Fletcher was general manager of the Minnesota Wild from 2009-18. The Wild reached the Stanley Cup Playoffs six times in his nine seasons but won two postseason series.
Philadelphia hasn't won the Stanley Cup since 1975 and most recently won a playoff series in 2012.
The Flyers (11-12-2) are seventh in the Metropolitan Division with 24 points, five behind the third-place New York Islanders. They play the Columbus Blue Jackets at Wells Fargo Center on Thursday (7 p.m. ET; NBCSP, FS-O, NHL.TV).
"We have some work to do, no doubt," Fletcher said. "There are some very strong players here. There are some young players that are finding their way in the NHL and getting better. I'm looking forward to sitting down with the coaches very shortly and getting to meet the players."

As for the fate of Flyers coach Dave Hakstol, the new GM said he doesn't anticipate making a change anytime soon. Hakstol was hired by Hextall prior to the start of the 2015-16 season.
"I have a lot of respect for what he's accomplished in his career," Fletcher said of Hakstol. "Look, I'm just coming in. I'm a big believer in trying to get to know a situation before you make a reaction here. I'd like to think that we can solve a lot of the issues that have plagued this team this year and find a way to get better.
"I certainly have no intention of making a coaching change tomorrow. I'm going to meet with Dave and we're going to try and work together and push. Our goal is to make the playoffs this year, it's that simple. We have work to do and it'll be a challenge, but there's no reason why we can't get better and can't push to make the playoffs and find a way to get in."
Fletcher has also worked as an assistant general manager with the Florida Panthers, Nashville Predators and Pittsburgh Penguins, and was with the Penguins when they won the Stanley Cup in 2009.
In Florida, he was hired by Bobby Clarke, who is the Flyers senior vice president and who Fletcher said he "considers a mentor and a friend."
Fletcher's father, Hockey Hall of Fame member Cliff Fletcher, is a senior adviser for the Toronto Maple Leafs, and worked as GM of the Atlanta/Calgary Flames, Phoenix Coyotes and Maple Leafs.
"The Flyers are proud to have Chuck Fletcher as the new general manager of our hockey club," Holmgren said. "Throughout his career, he has helped shape teams that have consistently competed in the playoffs. In addition, Chuck's tireless work ethic, wealth of knowledge and experience in the hockey community will be instrumental in leading our team into the future."