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8 Comments (7 conversations)
Timothy Lindell
Briere comes off so genuine and modest. He doesn’t talk out of both sides of his mouth, and doesn’t try to shy away from questions. Culture starts from the top, and he’s done a great job establishing that. Thanks for posting the Q&A Charlie.
Scott Hillier
I agree 100%. And, on top of being genuine and open, I think he’s been above-average in his roll as GM. I think moving on from Torts was the right call (although I might have waited until the off-season) and it sure seems like Tocchet is a good fit for where the team is right now. I’ve been pleased with his draft strategy and picks, I’d say he’s won more trades than he’s lost, and it doesn’t seem like he’s made a crippling contract decision yet. I don’t know enough about the inner workings of a coaching staff to know if there is anything he could, or should, be doing to address the PP issues, but (as strange as this sounds), I think I’m actually happy with the current makeup of the front office. Are we allowed to be happy with the front office?
James Borger
Great article.
Brandon Bolstad
Great interview, thank you.
Vandit Kalia
Every time I hear Briere speak, my confidence in his approach goes up. Too many years in the past, we have had GMs who were absolutely out of sync with where the team was (atleast as far as their public statements went, anyway). Briere is aware that the team is still a work in progress, he’s also aware of all the issues that we fans fret about (lack of elite talent) and he seems to have a plan re the pipeline of incoming talent (improve the roster or use as trade ammo).
Yes, the “tank forever” brigade isnt going to be happy. But that decision has been made – at this point, atleast they are being sensible about how they are going about the rebuild. Assuming Martone pans out, they have a fairly deep team, albeit without any superstars – and that’s fine. Rolling 3 plus lines in the playoffs is a good recipe for success.
Where they do need to make a swing is to acquire a 65-70 point playmaking C. Everything else can be pieced together via judicious signing of FAs to plug holes (and Briere’s record with FAs has been excellent – Sean Walker, Dvorak, Vladar… )
Chris
Charlie you do such a nice job of walking that tightrope between asking “the hard question” and keeping valuable exchange going. And and weird as it seems to say, so does Danny (in the opposite manner).
I thought this was a great interview.
Ray Benningfield
For those fans who can understand meaningful conversation without resorting to hyperbole, this interview reveals the current season aspirations of the Flyers and the fact that the plan set in place since Tortorella’s exit is still in effect. Good.
David LaVeck
Great interview with timely questions, Charlie! I really appreciated the candidness that Briere had with you. He listed all of the really important players in the pipeline and where he saw them fitting in the future. I just hope they pick the right time to approach Zegras with a new contract and that it maximizes his value to the team. It does seem that he has become the centerpiece to the team.