Flyers to Hire Ex-Capitals Coach Reirden to Round Out Assistant Coaching Staff

When the Flyers announced the hiring of Jaroslav “Yogi” Svejkovsky and Jay Varady as assistant coaches, they made clear that their coaching staff was not completed. There would be one more assistant to be hired later in the offseason.

It appears they have found that coach, and he’s a familiar face from around the Metropolitan Division.

According to multiple reports, first reported by Frank Seravalli of Daily Faceoff and Anthony SanFilippo of On Pattison, the Flyers will hire Todd Reirden as an assistant coach to round out Rick Tocchet’s staff.

Reirden, who turns 54 on June 25, served as the head coach of the Washington Capitals from 2018 to 2020. In both seasons, Reirden helped the Capitals to Metropolitan Division titles before falling in the first round of the playoffs. He had an 89-46-16 record in 151 games as a head coach.

Reirden was hired as an assistant coach on Mike Sullivan’s staff in Pittsburgh a week after being fired by the Capitals in 2020, a position he held until May of this year. He was also an assistant coach in Pittsburgh from 2010 to 2014.

From 2014 to 2018, Reirden was an assistant coach for the Capitals on Barry Trotz’ staff. Reirden won a Stanley Cup as an assistant coach with the Capitals in 2018 before replacing Trotz as head coach.

Reirden is expected to handle the penalty kill and defensive responsibilities. Reirden played 183 NHL games as a defenseman, with 11 goals and 67 points. 

Svejkovsky is expected to handle the forwards and power play. Varady will assume the role previously held by Darryl Williams, a jack-of-all-trades role among the other assistants and Tocchet.

Kevin Durso is Flyers insider for 97.3 ESPN. Follow him on social media @Kevin_Durso.