swflyers25
8-31-05, 5:00 PM
Lockout adds year to Hitchcock's pact
By Tim Panaccio
Inquirer Staff Writer
Flyers coach Ken Hitchcock is supposed to be in the final year of his four-year contract when the National Hockey League returns this fall.
However, according to club chairman Ed Snider, there is a provision in Hitchcock's contract stipulating that a year missed because of a work stoppage would "roll over" to the next year.
Last season was wiped out by the lockout, so Hitchcock automatically gets another year added to his deal, extending him to 2006-07.
Snider, however, wouldn't mind seeing Hitchcock tied up longer. "We want Hitchcock to be here for a long time," he said yesterday. "I have not focused on this just yet, but it is something we need to take care of. I want to sit down with [general manager] Bob Clarke and Hitch and talk about this. We think Hitchcock is the best coach in hockey, and we want him around."
Hitchcock said that he's not worried about his contract status and that it would take care of itself. His current deal is worth $4.4 million overall.
Loose pucks. Given that there may be as many as 10 new players, including one returnee in Chris Therien, in the dressing room who weren't there in May 2004, when the playoffs ended, the Flyers have strategically placed their key younger players next to new veteran acquisitions: Patrick Sharp will sit next to Peter Forsberg, Jeff Carter next to Eric Desjardins, Mike Richards next to Keith Primeau, R.J. Umberger next to Mike Rathje, and Joni Pitkanen next to Derian Hatcher... . Physicals are Sept. 12. Camp opens the next day... . Former Flyers assistant coach E.J. McGuire was named director of NHL Central Scouting yesterday.
Inky (http://www.philly.com/mld/inquirer/sports/12518510.htm)
By Tim Panaccio
Inquirer Staff Writer
Flyers coach Ken Hitchcock is supposed to be in the final year of his four-year contract when the National Hockey League returns this fall.
However, according to club chairman Ed Snider, there is a provision in Hitchcock's contract stipulating that a year missed because of a work stoppage would "roll over" to the next year.
Last season was wiped out by the lockout, so Hitchcock automatically gets another year added to his deal, extending him to 2006-07.
Snider, however, wouldn't mind seeing Hitchcock tied up longer. "We want Hitchcock to be here for a long time," he said yesterday. "I have not focused on this just yet, but it is something we need to take care of. I want to sit down with [general manager] Bob Clarke and Hitch and talk about this. We think Hitchcock is the best coach in hockey, and we want him around."
Hitchcock said that he's not worried about his contract status and that it would take care of itself. His current deal is worth $4.4 million overall.
Loose pucks. Given that there may be as many as 10 new players, including one returnee in Chris Therien, in the dressing room who weren't there in May 2004, when the playoffs ended, the Flyers have strategically placed their key younger players next to new veteran acquisitions: Patrick Sharp will sit next to Peter Forsberg, Jeff Carter next to Eric Desjardins, Mike Richards next to Keith Primeau, R.J. Umberger next to Mike Rathje, and Joni Pitkanen next to Derian Hatcher... . Physicals are Sept. 12. Camp opens the next day... . Former Flyers assistant coach E.J. McGuire was named director of NHL Central Scouting yesterday.
Inky (http://www.philly.com/mld/inquirer/sports/12518510.htm)