Articles / How former Flyers coaches fared in their first years

How former Flyers coaches fared in their first years

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Broad Street Hockey
Aug 5, 2025 5:00 PM

Summary: This is a summary of an article originally published by Broad Street Hockey. Read the full original article here →

The article delves into the performances of former Philadelphia Flyers coaches in their inaugural seasons leading other NHL teams. It highlights the unique challenges faced by coaches like Dave Hakstol and Alain Vigneault, who transitioned from the Flyers to other franchises. Hakstol’s time in Philadelphia was marked by a mix of promise and disappointment, but his first year coaching the Seattle Kraken showcased his ability to adapt and evolve. The Kraken, despite being an expansion team, showed flashes of competitiveness under his guidance.

Alain Vigneault, on the other hand, had a storied history before landing with the Flyers, but his first year saw struggles that led to a mid-season change. The contrasting fortunes of these coaches reflect the unpredictability of the NHL, where success can be fleeting and the pressure immense. As they settled into their new roles, both coaches faced the daunting task of building cohesive teams capable of contending in a tough league.

In examining the outcomes, it’s clear that the transition from one team to another can yield varied results, influenced heavily by the existing roster and the support from management. Fans of the Flyers are left wondering how these former coaches would fare if given another chance in Philadelphia, as the organization continues to seek stability and success on the ice.