Flyers: Hextall Out as GM

The Philadelphia Flyers announced the firing of Ron Hextall as executive vice-president and general manager on Monday. Hextall had served as the Flyers’ general manager since the 2014-15 season. The Flyers amassed a 165-128-58 regular-season record in parts of five seasons under Hextall, making the playoffs twice but never advancing passed the first round. The Flyers have just 22 points through 23 games this season after a 98-point campaign a year ago.

In a statement released by the team, Flyers president Paul Holmgren suggested it was philosophical differences, and not the Flyers’ poor record, that sparked the need for a change.

“We thank Ron for his many significant contributions, but it has become clear that we no longer share the same philosophical approach concerning the direction of the team,” said Holmgren. “In light of these differences, we feel it’s in the organization’s best interests to make a change, effective immediately.”

The Flyers have yet to name a replacement for Hextall but said a search for his successor has already begun. Presumably, Holmgren will handle the general manager duties in the interim. He previously served as the Flyers general manager for seven seasons before assuming the role of president in 2014.