Front Office Notes: Holmgren, Wright, Rychel

The Philadelphia Flyers have announced that long-time executive Paul Holmgren will be transitioning into an advisory role with the team moving forward, while GM Chuck Fletcher will now also have the title of president of hockey operations. Holmgren has been with the Flyers organization for 40 (non-consecutive) years in almost every role possible including player, assistant coach, head coach, assistant general manager, general manager, director of pro scouting and president, but will be taking a step back to spend more time with family.

Fletcher will take on even more responsibility as he tries to reshape the Flyers and take them back to the playoffs next season. The Flyers haven’t won the Stanley Cup since 1975 and haven’t won a playoff round since 2012. Fletcher has already made several moves to try and change that streak this offseason, adding Matt Niskanen, Justin Braun and Kevin Hayes to the mix.

• According to several reports including Ansar Khan of MLive, Detroit Red Wings director of amateur scouting Tyler Wright will be following former GM Ken Holland to his new post with the Edmonton Oilers. Kris Draper, who had been serving as an assistant to the general manager is expected to take over for the Red Wings under new GM Steve Yzerman. Several other scouts including Jeff Finley and Andrew Dickson will not return to the Red Wings, while Archie Henderson is following Wright to Edmonton.
• Warren Rychel has stepped down as GM of the Windsor Spitfires of the OHL, replaced by Bill Bowler after a 13-year run. Rychel is a part-owner of the team and brought three Memorial Cup titles during his run in the front office. The Spitfires are one of the most successful franchises in the OHL and routinely produce NHL talent including names like Jason Spezza, Taylor Hall, Ryan Ellis, Adam Henrique, Josh Bailey, Cam Fowler and countless others.