PHILADELPHIA – The Flyers turned to an outsider to try and win their first Stanley Cup in nearly 45 years, hiring former Wild GM Chuck Fletcher as their general manager on Monday in hopes that he can resuscitate one of the worst teams in the NHL.
"Our goal is to make the playoffs this year, it's that simple," said Fletcher, 51. "We have work to do and it will be a challenge. But there's no reason why we can't get better."
Fletcher, who replaces the fired Ron Hextall, had been working as a senior adviser to the New Jersey Devils after spending the past nine seasons as GM of the Wild. The Wild had only two playoff series victories under Fletcher and did not renew his contract in April.
Holmgren said Fletcher, who also has the executive vice president title, will decide the fate of coach Dave Hakstol, who was hired by Hextall out of North Dakota and has led the Flyers to two first-round playoff exits.
Associated Press
