Philadelphia Flyers Hire Another Franchise Legend
The Philadelphia Flyers continued their organizational overhaul with the announcement of John LeClair as a new Special Advisor to Hockey Operations.
He joins Patrick Sharp, who received the same title on Tuesday, June 13th, in the new-look front office.
John LeClair
LeClair spent 10 of his 16 NHL seasons in Philadelphia from 1995-2004 after winning the Stanley Cup with the Montreal Canadiens in 1993.
The Flyers acquired him along with Eric Desjardins and Gilbert Dionne in one of the best trades in franchise history.
He used his 6-foot-3 frame to become the perfect goal-scoring complement to Eric Lindros during the “Legion of Doom” era during the 1990s.
“Johnny Vermont” is one of 19 players in NHL history to score 40 or more goals in at least five straight seasons. He sits fifth in franchise history with 333 goals in orange and black.
He also played a key role for Team USA in international competitions, especially in the 1996 World Cup, the 1998 Winter Olympics, and the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City.
Flyers Making Changes
The “New Era of Orange” under newly-appointed CEO of Comcast Spectacor Dan Hilferty includes general manager Danny Briere, President of Hockey Operation Keith Jones, and head coach John Tortorella.
“Adding in John LeClair to work in conjunction with Patrick Sharp and the rest of our hockey operations group will be a powerful combination with their vast hockey knowledge and a ‘team-first’ mentality. John has been around the NHL and the game for a long time and knows what it takes to bring the core ethics of our foundation to the Philadelphia Flyers,” Jones said in a statement released by the organization.
“I’m most looking forward to being a part of this group and ensuring our number one priority is to bring the Stanley Cup to Philadelphia,” LeClair added.
His primary responsibilities will involve prospect development, with a heavy emphasis on the organization’s recent changes.
The Flyers also hired Alyn McCauley as Assistant General Manager, Riley Armstrong as Director of Player Development, and Nick Schultz as Assistant Director of Player Development last week.
Elliotte Friedman of SportsNet reported in March that the Flyers were looking to make Lindros a part of the organization in some capacity.