After a disappointing 37-37-8 record for the 2018-19 season, the Philadelphia Flyers decided to make a big coaching change. On December 3rd, 2018, the Flyers relieved coach Dave Hakstol and replaced him with Scott Gordon up until season’s end. On Monday afternoon, the front office stepped things up and hired veteran leader Alain Vigneault to become the 21st head coach in franchise history.
Vigneault last coached in the NHL just two seasons ago after spending five years with the New York Rangers. Prior to that, he previously coached the Vancouver Canucks and Montreal Canadiens as well. Vigneault’s win percentage comes in at .588, with an overall record of 648-435-35-98.
His best appearance as a head coach came in 2006-07, where he won the Jack Adams Award for best coach, leading the Vancouver Canucks to a 49-26-7 record (105 points).
General Manager of the Flyers, Chuck Fletcher, released the following statement on Vigneault’s hiring: “His track record of winning games is critical. I also think he has a tremendous track record of developing players and holding players accountable.”
Vigneault has had much success in the past, collecting seven division titles and advancing to the Stanley Cup Finals twice. Will history repeat itself in Philadelphia? Only time will tell.
