The Philadelphia Flyers held a press conference on Friday to introduce their leadership group, and if comments from those involved can be trusted, general manager Daniel Brière will have a free hand.

The Quebecer received his term on Thursday and said he was ready to get the club back on the road to seriousness. While the task is likely to require patience, time, and work, the organization believes in at least hiring the perfect person to do the job. With 17 years of experience as a player in the National Hockey League and a good background in management, Brière was able to convince the club he played for from 2007 to 2013.

MAIN VIDEO: CLaude Guillet reflects on the arrival of Brière and Keith Jones at the helm of the Flyers on ‘JiC’.

Did he really have to do that lately?

“There was no hiring process required. I saw his leadership skills and his intelligence. We already had our general manager,” concession governor Dan Hilferty said, referring to the interim status the Quebecer previously held, which was appointed in March after Chuck Fletcher was fired.

“I have absolute confidence that Daniel Brière is the ideal man for this job,” said Keith Jones, president of the hockey division. I will tell him my opinion and he will make the final decision. […] He wanted to be a flyer and I’m more than impressed with his preparation.”

As for the prime prospect, their enthusiasm is ebullient. He already looks forward to working with Jones, his immediate manager, in an organizational chart somewhat reminiscent of that of the Montreal Canadiens, which includes vice president of hockey operations Jeff Gorton and GM Kent Hughes. According to him, the synergy will be right.

“I’m excited and I have no worries. It will work. I don’t want people to just say yes. I prefer those who bring their vision to the table,” said Brière, who also cited the names of Marc Bergevin and Joe Sakic as sources of inspiration for his leadership career.

He’s part of the family

Head coach John Tortorella, present at the press conference, believes Brière’s experience as a player and a member of the Flyers’ management team is an undeniable asset. In his eyes, he will be able to pass on his passion for Philadelphia, as will the other former club color bearers who he believes are still useful.

“I don’t understand why people say the words ‘ex-Flyer’. I don’t understand the thinking from out of town and the people who say, “Oh, here’s an old flyer.” They’re not dead, they’re passionate and experienced. It’s important to have their faith,” he said.

“I know what you’re thinking, but signing two former Flyers players isn’t a fresh start. Our goal was to select the two best candidates; Life wanted them to be Flyers,” Hilferty said.

Addressing the fans, who are known for their impatience, Brière said: “You have my full attention”, which is a good signal for a side that played their last local games of the 2022-2023 season before some empty seats in the Wells Fargo Center.