Flyers bring back Ron Hextall, name him assistant GM

Former Flyers goalie Ron Hextall is back with the franchise, now in a front office role. (Photo: Chris Gardner, Associated Press)

His name has been a staple in the Flyers' organization ever since he hung up his skates and retired as a player in 1999. Now Ron Hextall will head back to Philadelphia.

The Flyers announced Monday that Hextall, 49, will become the team's assistant general manager and director of hockey operations effective Aug. 1.

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"We are very pleased to welcome back Ron Hextall to our management team," general manager Paul Holmgren said in a press release. "Ron has a wealth of experience in the front office in various capacities which will be a valuable addition to our staff."

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Hextall comes back to Philadelphia by way of Los Angeles, where he has served as vice president and assistant general manager in 2006 with the Kings. Upon his retirement in 1999, Hextall was hired by the Flyers as a professional scout and three years later was named director of player personnel.

It is unclear what the announcement means for Chris Pryor, the team's current director of hockey operations. John Paddock, the current assistant general manager, was added to the team's coaching staff last season. There was no information immediately available on whether he will remain with the coaching staff.