May 13, 2023

PHILADELPHIA – The hiring of Keith Jones as the new president of hockey operations for the Philadelphia Flyers came as a surprise to many in the hockey world.

But there is one person who would not have been surprised, according to Jones.

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” I do not think that [le fondateur des Flyers Ed Snider] would be surprised to see me here today,” Jones said on Friday when he was introduced to the media. “I was a confidant he trusted because I was honest with him every time he called me. That’s why I’m not surprised to be here. But I am very happy to be before you today. »

Snider died in 2016, but he knew Jones, who played with the Flyers from 1998 to 2000 and has been the voice of the team on television for 20 years.

Jones is one of television’s most respected figures and he intends to continue his role with Turner Sports until following the Stanley Cup Finals, provided his boss agrees.

But he mightn’t pass up the opportunity to lead a new era for the Flyers.

“It was not an easy decision,” he said. But they’re the only team I might imagine doing something like that with. I wouldn’t have accepted an interview anywhere else. I had no other goals while working on television. I never campaigned for such a role. I just wanted to do the best job possible of relaying the message to Philadelphia fans regarding the team’s performance on the ice.

“When the opportunity arose, I thought regarding it for a minute. In fact, I actually thought regarding it for 10 seconds and knew the answer was yes. »

The roots of Jones’ loyalty to the Flyers run deep. He spent the last three seasons of his nine-year NHL career with them and acted as an analyst for their games on television, in addition to his national network duties.

“I’m thrilled to be able to give back to this city what it gave to me,” added Jones. When I came here to Philadelphia 25 years ago, I came from Colorado, an amazing organization. When I found out I was joining the Philadelphia Flyers, I mightn’t wait to get there. When I landed here I looked around and mightn’t believe I was with the Philadelphia Flyers. We will bring the organization back to that level. »

In this different role, Jones’ job will be to be the face of the Flyers’ rebuilding efforts. He will also have to ensure that the hockey operations and administrative departments work hand in hand for the benefit of the entire organization.

On Friday, Jones sat alongside Daniel Briere, who officially became general manager on Thursday, and John Tortorella, who was named coach before the season.

They are the leaders of the Flyers’ hockey department, an unlikely trio that will have the task of putting the team back on the path to success. Tortorella is a seasoned veteran of 21 seasons as a coach, Briere was named interim GM on March 10 following two seasons as special assistant GM, while Jones is a rookie in team management.

Philadelphia haven’t made the playoffs the past three seasons and have only won one series since 2013.

“If there’s one message I want to send today, especially to our most loyal fans, it’s that you have my full attention,” Brière said. It’s been a huge honor to serve as GM of this team for the past two months, and it’s made me even more hungry to turn the tide. We are already on our way to getting there, and my main task will be to rebuild this team and bring it back to winning rosters for years to come. »

As for Jones, if he always has a smile on his face, he won’t be shy regarding speaking up when needed.

“I guarantee you that my voice will be heard,” he said. I’m honest. I will not be dishonest in any discussions I have. If I have an opinion regarding something, I will pass on my message. »

His message Friday was that the speed of the Flyers’ revival might be as surprising as his arrival at the helm.

“I think I know what it takes to win the Stanley Cup because I’ve seen it up close every year,” he said. And I’m always impressed with the team that gets there because it takes so many different elements to get there. We have some of those elements in place. We’ve got a long way to go to put the rest of these pieces together, but there’s enough good stuff to work with here. »