New Jersey Devils: Why hiring Chuck Fletcher could actually be a good thing

On Thursday, the New Jersey Devils announced that they would add three new members to their Hockey Operations staff. The first hire is former Devils captain and defenseman Andy Greene, who will serve as the advisor of hockey operations. The second hire is former Detroit Red Wings goalie and Stanley Cup Champion Manny Legace, who will serve as the head amateur goaltending scout and development coach.

The last hire is former Philadelphia Flyers general manager Chuck Fletcher, who will be the senior advisor to Tom Fitzgerald. While the Andy Greene and Manny Legace hirings have received praise from the fans, many are criticizing the hiring of Chuck Fletcher, in large part for his disappointing time as the general manager of the Flyers from 2018-2023. Putting the past aside, this could be the change that Fletcher and the rest of the organization need.

Why Could Chuck Fletcher Work in His New Role?

Fletcher’s new role is senior advisor, which means he’ll be around for essential decisions but isn’t the one making the roster's actual decisions. Right now, Tom Fitzgerald holds the title, so whatever Fitzgerald says goes. However, Fletcher can add his perspective and ideas on how to improve the roster. If he sees a player who can be a great fit here, he'll let (assistant GM) Kate Madrigan or Fitzgerlad know.

Fletcher did have great guys in Philadelphia during his time there; Claude Giroux, Travis Konency, and Jakub Voracek are prime examples, so he can use those player profiles to try and find similar types of guys that can fit the roster well and make the team better, as well as teach the young guys how to be better NHL players. The more success he brings, the likeliness his bad memories of the past can fade away, and he can prove he can be a solid front office man or possibly get another job elsewhere. Win win!

Fans shouldn’t worry about whether he will take over as GM of the team; this was more of a decision because Fitzgerald knows him well management-wise. While Tom Fitzgerald was a player in Florida, Chuck Fletcher was an assistant general manager there. Without him, he wouldn’t have gotten guys like Scott Mellanby, Rob Neidermayer, Ed Jovanoski, and Pavel Bure, who were vital Panthers players. The experience is there, but Fletcher has to prove that, and this role gives him an excellent opportunity. Only time will tell if this works, but the organization needs to provide Fletcher with the confidence and support for him and this role.