Ron Hextall

The draft still marks an important offseason event for the Flyers. But this year, it is different. It is Chuck Fletcher’s first draft as GM of the Flyers. And that means a new approach to the draft for the Flyers.

Chuck Fletcher got aggressive early and traded for the rights to free-agent forward Kevin Hayes. Should Hayes sign with the Flyers, this will not be the last new addition. It may not be the last trade. It's only the beginning of Fletcher's aggressive approach to the offseason.

When the Flyers announced the rest of Alain Vigneault's coaching staff on Monday, it was clear experience was a key factor.

Early in Vigneault’s introductory press conference on Thursday, it became apparent why Fletcher felt he had found the right person for the job. Vigneault talked at length about the approach he will bring to the Flyers, one that involves approaching the game with the right mindset.

The word going around is that the Flyers are going to be “aggressive” this offseason in the free agent and trade market, looking at all the ways they can upgrade the team. Quite frankly, they have no choice. All you have to do is look across the street for a reminder of just how releva…

The Flyers season is over, and it sets up for an interesting offseason for GM Chuck Fletcher, one that begins now that the season is over and will carry over throughout the summer and as the 2019-20 season approaches.

The season will ultimately be known for the failure to meet expectations, to take that next step in the development of a contender, and the massive fallout behind it.

Whether the Flyers stick with interim head coach Scott Gordon or look elsewhere for a new head coach, GM Chuck Fletcher said the search will not last long.

Two weeks ago, the Flyers had closed the gap to a playoff spot from 16 points to three points. In the seven games since, they have gone just 2-5-0 as a difficult schedule simply became too much.

If the Flyers are able to make up the five-point margin in the standings and make the playoffs, it would be a historical comeback to reach the postseason. If they don’t, well, this run is still remarkable nonetheless.