The Pros and Cons of New Flyers Coach Dave Hakstol

[ASquared]

Since being introduced as the 19th head coach in Flyers history, Dave Hakstol has been the toast of the town. The 46-year-old bench general has been praised for his 289-141-43 record at the University of North Dakota, on top of playing a pivotal role in the development of several current NHL stars, such as Jonathan Toews and T.J. Oshie, among others.
With Philadelphia’s up-and-coming prospects serving as the focal point of Hextall’s blueprint, it’s clear how Hakstol fits into that plan right off the bat......

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My take is that the Hakstol hire is a culmination of things. It was different, somewhat surprising, risky to a degree, and one that demonstrates a sound plan. The Flyers may not have all the pieces in place to accurately pull off Hakstol's system, but that very system will win them more games next season.

[fungchen3]

Nice article, Andy. You make some very valid points and I happen to agree with a lot of what you presented.

[Axeman33]

Good write up. Interesting Babcock comparisons and some excellent points there.

[ASquared]

Thanks, guys. I'm happy you two enjoyed it. Do either of you have anything to add, or discuss?

[fungchen3]

Thanks, guys. I'm happy you two enjoyed it. Do either of you have anything to add, or discuss?

We'll I admittedly haven't seen many Sioux games so I would love a real in-depth breakdown of his style and system. I keep hearing "intense", "hardworking" and "likes to have D get involved" but that's fairly generic.

[ASquared]

We'll I admittedly haven't seen many Sioux games so I would love a real in-depth breakdown of his style and system. I keep hearing "intense", "hardworking" and "likes to have D get involved" but that's fairly generic.

That's fair of you. I think there's a vast majority that fall in the same boat to no fault of their own.

The hire does have other implications not mentioned in the piece. Vinny Lecavalier's role, what they'll end up doing with Brayden Schenn, and other stuff like that are things I'd love to hear your opinions on.

[fungchen3]

That's fair of you. I think there's a vast majority that fall in the same boat to no fault of their own.

The hire does have other implications not mentioned in the piece. Vinny Lecavalier's role, what they'll end up doing with Brayden Schenn, and other stuff like that are things I'd love to hear your opinions on.

From what I understand, the Flyers need to pay Lecavalier a $2 million signing bonus on July 1st, but on July 2nd, he and the team could agree to mutually terminate his existing contract. Then he is free to sign with any team of his choice and the Flyers get out from under his remaining salary and cap hit. There has been some speculation he would consider this because:

A. He is unhappy in Philadelphia. And according to Hextall, the recent hire of Hakstol doesn't change the fact that the situation is not good for both Vinny and the club.

B. The remaining hard cash on his deal (after the $2 million bonus) isn't a huge amount of money - he could sign a new deal (with new terms) with a club of his choice and most likely make the same amount of "actually money."

As for B.Schenn, I'm not sure. Hakstol said he would get to work studying the players. So I'm sure he's going to be in lock-down, reviewing hours and hours of game tape... and part of that will be seeing how to best utilize a player like Schenn. I still think Hextall is in the market for a true LW.

[ASquared]

From what I understand, the Flyers need to pay Lecavalier a $2 million signing bonus on July 1st, but on July 2nd, he and the team could agree to mutually terminate his existing contract. Then he is free to sign with any team of his choice and the Flyers get out from under his remaining salary and cap hit. There has been some speculation he would consider this because:

A. He is unhappy in Philadelphia. And according to Hextall, the recent hire of Hakstol doesn't change the fact that the situation is not good for both Vinny and the club.

B. The remaining hard cash on his deal (after the $2 million bonus) isn't a huge amount of money - he could sign a new deal (with new terms) with a club of his choice and most likely make the same amount of "actually money."

As for B.Schenn, I'm not sure. Hakstol said he would get to work studying the players. So I'm sure he's going to be in lock-down, reviewing hours and hours of game tape... and part of that will be seeing how to best utilize a player like Schenn. I still think Hextall is in the market for a true LW.

I could see the two sides agree to part when it comes to Lecavalier. It's a shame because he's such a respected person, but an evil necessary nonetheless. It makes sense for Hextall to wait it out, as that's his best option. The others would be either to trade him for next to nothing, while eating a portion of his salary, or keep forcing the square peg into the circular hole.

[fungchen3]

Does anyone know how many years Hakstol is signed for?

[goon48]

We'll I admittedly haven't seen many Sioux games so I would love a real in-depth breakdown of his style and system. I keep hearing "intense", "hardworking" and "likes to have D get involved" but that's fairly generic.

It's true, Hakstol is a no nonsense coach that preaches skating, hard work, accountability. No one is bigger than the program. His practices are intense and they're done with a lot of speed and tempo. His assistants at UND were also very good as well.

[butch]

refreshing to see the flyers go with a new approach rather than a recycled vet .

[fungchen3]

refreshing to see the flyers go with a new approach rather than a recycled vet .

This x10