That is not what he said according to others. Filppula might be back, but it would be post July 1 and depending on other moves. Basically, he sounds like Plan B or C.
Yeah I see Bill's interpretation now. Looks like Hex views Flip as a backup if he can't get another C in UFA/trade. That's not so bad then.
FlyHigh wrote:I'm curious why they're dumping Manning unless Hextall has decided that Hak can't be trusted with him. Think Manning got overplayed, but you could do a lot worse for a No.7. Wonder if his asking price was too high or if he wants to go to a place where he'll have a guaranteed spot.
7th D men don't average 18 minutes a night, but Manning is redundant with Gudas and MacD signed for a few more years and Morin/Myers close. For Manning himself, he and his agent should be looking to get him the biggest and longest deal available to him in UFA and that would not be with the Flyers anyway. He will get a deal somewhere as a 3rd pairing d man, probably for 2-3mil per year.
Bill is posting Hex and Hak excerpts from the presser:
All assistant coaches coming back, but roles may change.
Hex wants to add a veteran C and bring in some penalty killing help. Sees C> D>G as the order of priority for adding players.
Hex views Frost as a longshot for next year.
Hak specifically called out Laughton as having a great playoff series.
Ron Hextall very much not closing the door on the possibility of Carter Hart making the NHL next season, but get the sense the odds are still slim.
Dave Isaac