Flyers have their pick of GMs

With four coaches already fired, it was refreshing to see the Flyers buck the trend and instead change general managers. After all, head coach Dave Hakstol is not the reason why Philadelphia has the worst save percentage in the league.

That being said, it’s much easier to replace a coach mid-season than it is to find a new general manager. Not that there aren’t options. Here are five names worth pursuing:

MARK HUNTER

When the Maple Leafs promoted Kyle Dubas to general manager last summer, it came at the cost of losing Hunter (right), who was largely responsible for drafting Mitch Marner, Auston Matthews and Travis Dermott, as well as unearthing Nikita Zaitsev from Russia. And don’t say he lacks experience in the No. 1 chair. As far as OHL general managers go, Hunter is considered the cream of the crop.

DEAN LOMBARDI

If the Flyers want to win now, Lombardi seems like he would be a perfect fit.

During his time in Los Angeles, he was not afraid to trade futures for veterans as the team reached dynasty status and won two Stanley Cup championships in three years. But that approach is also the reason why the Kings are now in need of a rebuild.

CHUCK FLETCHER

The expansion draft, in which Minnesota lost Erik Haula and Alex Tuch in order to protect Matt Dumba, ultimately cost Fletcher his job. But at the same time, it’s not like the Wild have fallen on hard times. The team is ranked third in the competitive Central Division, largely thanks to Fletcher acquiring goalie Devan Dubnyk for practically nothing.

STEVE YZERMAN

The back-and-forth travel from Michigan to Florida was listed as the reason why Yzerman stepped down as GM earlier this season. But the other factor was the Lightning didn’t want to lose assistant GM Julien Brisebois to another team. If Yzerman can handle the commute to Pennsylvannia, the job is his.

BRIAN BURKE

Burke’s working as a broadcaster these days, but if the Flyers are looking for someone to swing for the fences and shake things up, it’s hard to imagine anyone else who would be better for the job. During his time in Toronto, he traded for Phil Kessel, James van Riemsdyk, and Joffrey Lupul.