Flyers extend Holmgren

By Sean Pollard
The Phanatic Magazine

The Philadelphia Flyers and general manager Paul Holmgren agreed to a two-year contract extension through the 2008-09 season on Wednesday.

"In this year of transition for the Flyers, I think Paul has moved quickly and decisively to better our team on the ice and position us for the future," said Flyers chairman Ed Snider. "He has the right vision of what we need going forward and is very deserving of the opportunity to be our general manager."

Holmgren took over the GM role on October 22 when Bob Clarke resigned after the Flyers got off to a rocky 1-6-1 start. Head coach Ken Hitchcock was also given the ax and Philadelphia appears to be heading toward one of its worst seasons in franchise history.

However, over the last several weeks, Holmgren has brought some much needed youth and speed to the Flyers lineup, acquiring talented youngsters such as forward Scottie Upshall, defensemen Braydon Coburn and Lasse Kukkonen and Nashville's top defensive product Ryan Parent.

Holmgren also re-signed veteran forward Sami Kapanen and acquired goaltender Martin Biron with hopes of signing him to a long-term contract in the near future.

"In a short period of time, Paul has made some good moves which have helped us acquire top young players, prospects and draft picks to add to our core group of players," said Comcast-Spectacor president Peter Luukko. "He has also re-signed veteran players who provide solid leadership to our team. Paul will now be able to continue to focus on the draft, free agency and our future."

Holmgren, a former Flyer star from 1975-84 and the team's head coach from 1988-92, had been in his eighth season as the assistant GM before his promotion.

The native of St. Paul, Minnesota was a sixth-round pick by the Flyers in 1975 Entry Draft. He played in 500 games over parts of nine seasons for the franchise and posted 138 goals with 171 assists for 309 points. His 1,600 penalty minutes still rank second in club history.

Holmgren finished his playing career with the Minnesota North Stars, recording a total of 144 goals and 179 assists for 323 points in 527 games.

Philadelphia named Holmgren head coach on June 1, 1988, making him the first former Flyer to hold the position, and he guided the club to a record of107-126-31 in four seasons.

Holmgren also coached the Hartford Whalers in parts of four seasons from 1992-93 to '95-96, serving as general manager for part of the tenure, and compiled a coaching record of 59-93-14.

"I am extremely happy and excited that things have turned out the way they have," said Holmgren. "I want to thank Mr. Snider and Peter Luukko for this tremendous opportunity and I look forward to the future and the task at hand."