Flyers Fire General Manager Ron Hextall

PHILADLEPHIA, PA — In the wake of a rough start to the 2018-19 season and continuing questions regarding personnel decisions, the Flyers have fired general manager and franchise legend Ron Hextall.

The announcement came days after a 6-0 drubbing by the Toronto Maple Leafs on Saturday which saw the team fall to 7th in the Metropolitan Division and 10-11-2 overall.

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

Months of speculation amongst the fanbase and league analysts led up to Monday's decision. Hextall's choices, particularly in addressing the team's issues at goaltender, have raised questions.

The team's weakness was exposed during the 2017-18 season and especially in the playoffs, but Hextall only traded for a temporary replacement in Peter Mrazek at the deadline. He then made no moves in the offseason and began this season with the capable but oft-injured duo of Brian Elliot and Michael Neuvirth. Both are currently on the injured reserve and the Flyers have clearly paid the price, giving up more goals than all but two other teams in the league.

Hextall was in the midst of his fifth year at the helm of the Flyers. While he's been praised for his work in the draft and stockpiling numerous talented youngesters, the team has largely underperformed, failing to make it past the first round of the playoffs since he took over.

Hextall had a storied career as goalie for the Flyers, playing 11 of his 13 seasons in Philadelphia before retiring in 1999. He was named general manager in 2014.

The search for Hextall's replacement is underway, Holmgren said.

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