A week after Flyers general manager Paul Holmgren had his "lame duck" status removed and was given a three-year contract extension through 2011-12 season, the Flyers hired former All-Star defenseman Eric Desjardins as a part-time developmental coach.
"Eric has great insight into the game and he has such an allegiance to the Flyers," Flyers coach John Stevens said. "I think he can really help with our young players."
Desjardins is expected to work with the Flyers' prospects during an eight-day rookie camp in July.
Stevens said the position was created for Desjardins, 39, after he volunteered to do advance scouting during the playoffs. Desjardins scouted the first-round series between the Canadiens and Bruins, and Holmgren was so impressed with his insight he offered him a position as a developmental coach.
Desjardins will continue living in Quebec and will spend time with Flyers prospects playing in the Quebec League.
Holmgren, 52, said his three-year extension brings needed stability to the Flyers' front office. He also said the climb from fourth, where the Flyers' finished last season, to first is more difficult than their climb from 30th two seasons ago to conference finalist.
"It's going to be very difficult," Holmgren said. "One of the messages that we sent our players away with after our season is that it's going to get harder now. I think the coaches know that and the players are certainly well aware of that."
Holmgren is beginning his second full season as general manager after taking over for Bob Clarke on Oct. 22, 2006.
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With the Phils pissing me off, the Eagles looking mediocre, and the 76ers just being in a league I hate, I am looking forward to opening night just under 3 months away.
We needed a fresh thread, so here goes.
What, if any of these possibilities holds the most truth for the Flyers' future
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As a die hard Flyers fan i feel that i have to vent a lil bit. First let me say that I am one of the bigger Hatcher supporters. I loved what he has brought to the flyers and admire how he played hurt for most of last season. Now let me get to where I am annoyed. He has 3.5 million dollars of salary lined up this season. I, like many flyers
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I'm guessing now that they always planned to put Hatch on LTIR because they have not made or to my knowledge thought about making any moves to free cap and their almost 2 mil over, so this is the 08/09 Flyers squad I don't really know if they improved on D but they sure have a decent fourth line now(sarcasm).
The Flyers signed forward Arron Asham on Monday. (source -- Flyers web site ) Sounds like they are getting ready to pull the trigger on a trade soon , with this sighnning we are WAY over the cap. I say look for Knubble and upshall to be out.
