Following a 6-0 loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs on Saturday that pushed the Flyers to a 10-11-2 record through 23 games, it was starting to become clear a change was needed and not a small one. The Flyers had been embarrassed twice in the last week, trailing 4-0 after the first period in each of their two losses.

The Flyers have made that significant change, and it's one that many didn't see coming. Team president Paul Holmgren announced that GM Ron Hextall has been relieved of his duties effective immediately.

"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," Holmgren said in a statement. "In light of these differences, we feel it's in the organization's best interest to make a change, effective immediately."

Holmgren will be conducting a search for the team's next GM.

Hextall started his tenure as GM of the Flyers in 2014, helping the Flyers build out their prospect pool and freeing up cap space that had previously strapped the Flyers from making any moves. However, Hextall's patient approach with prospects and building a contender has appeared to have taken its toll. The Flyers have made the playoffs twice during Hextall's time as GM, losing in the first round both times.

The Flyers will hold a press conference on Tuesday at 11 a.m. with Holmgren and Comcast Spectacor Chairman and CEO Dave Scott available to the media. The Flyers will host the Ottawa Senators on Tuesday night at 7 p.m.

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