How involved in this hiring process will the senior advisers be — so Bob Clarke, Paul Holmgren, Bill Barber — how involved will they be in this process? And do you envision them playing a big role in driving the philosophical direction of the franchise moving forward? Specifically, I’m talking about team building.
OK, so let me say this to you. I’m so thrilled you asked that question.
Remember you asked me about how I became a tenacious Flyers fan? And I talked about the foundation that Ed Snider built. The three folks that were referred to as the “Three Wise Men,” and then others who are involved with us in one way, shape, or form. One — the fact that they are still part of the organization speaks to the vision of Ed Snider to build a family. And it speaks to the vision of Brian Roberts and Comcast, understanding that the past is prologue, and in order to build a bright future, you need to understand your foundational roots. To me, growing up where I grew up, these individuals are the foundational titans — and I use that word, I’m gonna be emphatic about it — the foundational titans of this organization. They will be part of the organization as long as I’m here, and they will be valued resources when asked to be valued resources.
Have you heard anything about them
actually having input?
Briere and Jones played for a half dozen teams, even more HCs, they're not Flyer lifers.
Torts certainly isn't a "Flyer."
They've made it clear they're on the same page, they've never said anything about advisors' influence.
Lip service to those three is inevitable, Clarke is the best player the organization ever had, Barber is among the top, and Holmgren is the last GM to get them to the SC finals. A large contingent of fans still support them. And of course, one must genuflect to Snider. So to expect Hilferty to publicly diss or reject them is unrealistic. Lurie welcomes Eagles alumni, but you think they influence Howie?
I see zero input, the current Flyers are very different than the last decade, there's an emphasis on speed and aggressive play, flipping the ice, not size (below average) or physical play. First thing Shaw did was teach Risto NOT to chase hits. "Physical" play is now defined as blocking shots and winning board battles, not trying to intimidate opponents. High picks are used for mobile D-men, not big stiffs. They're not going to be Toronto south, playing soft will never be tolerated, but they're not the "Broad Street Bullies" anymore.
Nor have they pursued free agents, a Holmgren addiction.
Nor have they traded high draft picks for veteran players.
And they've actually said they're rebuilding, something Clarke and Holmgren hated (last time they rebuilt in the 1990s they had to fire Clarke as GM).
They may fall flat on their faces, but it'll be on their own terms.
