Five Takeaways from Danny Briere’s Introductory Press Conference

Danny Briere was officially named Special Assistant (to the) General Manager yesterday. Something you would’ve known Saturday if you read Crossing Broad daily:

Exclusive: Flyers to Name Danny Briere Assistant GM https://t.co/WsvQbvG4el

— Crossing Broad (@CrossingBroad) February 5, 2022

On Wednesday, Danny Briere took some questions. Here are five takeaways:

1. Do you know what your duties are going to be?

“I think it’s going to be scouting, evaluating, maybe some player development. I know the organization pretty deeply from all my time and years here. It’s probably over the years, or the next few years going to increase. I’m not sure yet at this point how deep it’s going to go, but from what I was told, I expect to be more and more involved as time goes on.” 

It seems once Dave Scott got word Briere was interviewing for the Montreal Canadiens job it put a boot in his ass to find any way to keep him. That’s why I’m assuming there was no job description or application for the role. He’s doing a little bit of this, a little bit of that, and a little this. But also he’s doing the classic: “Other duties as assigned.” That bullet point always seems to make its way into every job description no matter if you’re an intern or executive. There’s nothing more suits love than making their new hires do something they don’t want to and cracking a joke, “Remember, other duties as assigned.”

2. When do you see a turnaround happening?

“That’s a good question, and it’s tough to tell how long it could take for that turnaround. Obviously, we would love to see the turnaround starting tonight. Being realistic, it might be next year or the following year. Who knows? I think there’s a lot that comes into play. Let’s say we don’t make a push here to make the playoffs and we become sellers. Well, it becomes who’s available to sell at the deadline, and it also depends on what’s available on the other side of the table. When you get a draft pick, it might take a little longer. If you get guys who are coming to the lineup right away to help you out, that might rush it a little bit more. It’s tough to tell at this point. One thing I know is there’s a lot of good players and I don’t think we’re a team that’s as bad as what the standings are showing at this point. You just look at the beginning of the year. We were supposed to have Couturier, Hayes, Brassard and Brown as our number 1 through 4 centermen, but how many games have these guys played? I mean we pretty much lost our top four centermen to start the year. That puts us in a tough position. That’s where I believe we’re definitely not as bad as what it’s showing on paper.”

What Briere really meant to say, “Hopefully fucking soon. Have you seen those mongrels in the stands? They’re the same ones that threw memorial bracelet on the ice after a loss. Two years ago we were the hottest team in the league and now we’re dogshit. My first order of business is trading the franchise player. If I fuck that up my head is going to be on a spike at center ice. Thanks Dave. ”  

Gritty Break:

While you wait for puck drop, head to https://t.co/OrNBb2qeMj and play @GrittyNHL Snax, the new mobile game presented by @tcs_na! pic.twitter.com/B6VhtMi0dL

— Philadelphia Flyers (@NHLFlyers) January 24, 2022

Ok we’re back…

3. [Inaudible question]

There’s a lot of people. It started with Paul Holmgren bringing me aboard, along with Shawn Tilger. Valerie believing in me to keep doing that. Mike Shane has been great in teaching me the last few years. I had a lot of help from Adam Goldberg in Maine, and that’s one thing I want to say. Our staff in Maine, this last season has grown in revenues, our season ticket base by up to 25, maybe even more percent. Our staff there has been tremendous in making me look good, so I definitely want to give a shout out to them in all that they’ve done. 

We get these transcripts from the Flyers comms people and appreciate them greatly, but even with cameras, mics, and replay some questions are inaudible. Good for Briere thanking the little guys who helped get him here. This was also him pleading with them to continue developing talent. No shot Danny wants to relive another Portland winter. You haven’t felt cold until you experience those driving winds off the Atlantic.

4. What do you think are the biggest needs? 

“I agree with Chuck when he said high end talent. Difference makers that can on a nightly basis come in. Obviously, Coots not being there really hurts. G has pulled more than his weight. He’s been awesome, but they’ll need support.”

This answer was the shortest of the bunch because Danny wanted no parts talking about trading Claude Giroux. I hope the Flyers all believe it’s time though. Rip the band aid off. Let’s move on to the next era of Flyers hockey. The guy will have his number raised to the rafters. The ceremony will be amazing. He deserves a chance to win a Cup with a contender.

5. How much of it is injuries and how much of it is relying on young players?

“Yeah, they’re going in the right direction. We have to help them take the next step and become difference makers. That’s definitely an area that I believe we can do a better job and we’ll have to do a better job to get the Flyers where they belong.” 

We’ve got too many pussies on this team. If you don’t believe me let someone who doesn’t have a dog in the fight tell you:

Ex-Penguin Tyler Kennedy was talking about the Penguins/Bruins debacle last night and this came up…

Even he knows what the issue is. And no, if you’re thinking that I am suggesting we need a team full of Zac Ronaldo’s, his point is going way over your head. pic.twitter.com/zPujWl6Pbs

— Anthony (@AntDiGrazio) February 9, 2022

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