Multiple Flyers Veterans Voice Their Frustration During Season-Ending Interviews
The Philadelphia Flyers' exit interviews at the end of this season came and went relatively unnoticed compared to previous years. It's understandable given that it was yet another disappointing season for the team. The signs were there even before the season started, and by November-December, the harsh realities had set in. Throughout the season, many veteran players found themselves benched, scratched, or involved in trade discussions.
James van Riemsdyk expressed his disappointment at not being traded before the deadline, as he wanted a chance to play for a contender. It's unclear what General Manager Chuck Fletcher was thinking leading up to the trade deadline, but he later admitted that no other team in the league wanted the veteran forward. This turned out to be the final blow for Fletcher, as he was relieved of his duties a week later.
Van Riemsdyk shared his assumptions about the team's direction, saying, "I'm assuming they are going to get younger, and that's the direction they will go. I'm assuming I won't be back." His remarks echoed the sentiments of other veterans, including Kevin Hayes and Tony DeAngelo, who also spoke their minds at the end of the season.
DeAngelo, despite being scratched for several games, remained professional and didn't criticize the head coach or the team. He acknowledged his defensive struggles and took accountability for his inconsistent play. DeAngelo expressed his love for the Flyers and his desire to stay with the team, regardless of the challenges he faced.
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«I'm a little bit � not disappointed � but the defensive liability is something we need to work at. I didn't think the amount of work that we need to do with himI didn't think that at the point in time when we got him.»
«I know that's probably a big topic for you guys, Tony didn't play the last five games, so something happened, right? That's going to stay between Tony and I and the team.
«I'm sure there are reasons for it, but nothing that either one of us was obviously willing to discuss. I'll just leave it at that. We talked, but not a whole lot.»
«I know that's probably a big topic for you guys, Tony didn't play the last five games, so something happened, right? That's going to stay between Tony and I and the team.
«I'm sure there are reasons for it, but nothing that either one of us was obviously willing to discuss. I'll just leave it at that. We talked, but not a whole lot.»
Hayes, on the other hand, seemed to struggle after being a healthy scratch for one game in December. At the time of his scratch, Hayes was leading the team in points, which raised eyebrows around the league. Head coach John Tortorella had emphasized the importance of effort and accountability, and Hayes seemed to fall short in these areas. Despite his strong performance in the first half of the season, Hayes's production declined significantly in the final stretch.
«I'm turning 31. I picked up the message that was sent months ago. I'm okay with it. It's their decision. I don't want to say I'm suited for a contender, because I think I'm suited for anyone, to be honest. Yeah. we'll see how that unfolds. Their decision has probably already been made and we don't know it yet. I'm sure I'll find out around the draft.
«I don't know if they want a guy making the money that I'm making, playing nine to 10 minutes a night. I don't make those decisions, they do. I'm sure they have to make them pretty quickly. The draft is coming up.«
«I don't know if they want a guy making the money that I'm making, playing nine to 10 minutes a night. I don't make those decisions, they do. I'm sure they have to make them pretty quickly. The draft is coming up.«
While Hayes had a near-career-year statistically, his poor performance in the last 32 games was evident. In contrast, other players like Noah Cates and Morgan Frost continued to produce and earn top minutes. It became clear that the Flyers were heading towards a rebuild, and players like Hayes and DeAngelo, with their contracts and age, may not fit into the team's future plans.
«It's tough when you're getting 22 minutes a night and leading the team in points, and then you get back from the All-Star break and you're playing eight minutes a night and playing with different players. But like I said, it is what it is. They want to go younger here if they want to win. That's how you win in this league, you have to rebuild and that's what they're in now.
«As much as I would love to stay and help out, I have no idea if that is going to be the case.»
«As much as I would love to stay and help out, I have no idea if that is going to be the case.»
Money also played a significant role, and with the Flyers looking to shed contracts and give opportunities to their prospects, it's likely that both Hayes and DeAngelo will not return next season. The change in leadership, with Tortorella gaining more influence in personnel decisions, further indicates that the Flyers are heading in a different direction.
| POLL | ||
10 MAI | 137 ANSWERS Multiple Flyers Veterans Voice Their Frustration During Season-Ending Interviews Who is out the door first in Philly? | ||
| Hayes | 89 | 65 % |
| Provorov | 16 | 11.7 % |
| DeAngelo | 18 | 13.1 % |
| Other | 14 | 10.2 % |
| List of polls | ||
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