‘The Patient Approach is Working’: Jones and Hilferty Address the Media Ahead of the 2025-26 Flyers Season

VOORHEES, N.J.–Philadelphia Flyers President of Hockey Operations Keith Jones, alongside Comcast Spectacor CEO and Flyers Governor Dan Hilferty, spoke to the media at the Flyers Training Center ahead of the 2025-26 season.

The two addressed many topics, but the big theme that emerged was patience. As an organization, the Flyers remain in a rebuild, one that both Hilferty and Jones described as thought-out and methodical. Very early on, Hilferty sets the tone that the team is still in the rebuild when he says, “How I define a successful year is not necessarily the playoffs, although that would be great, but to see improvement throughout the year. To see our younger players (improve), and that competitive edge grow.”

Both Hilferty and Jones made it a point to recognize that they are moving forward in their plans, however. They mention how now they are in the phase of adding talent (ex: Trevor Zegras) instead of trading away talent, or being complacent with the current roster.

When asked why add now, Jones said, “We owed our players who are here. They’ve done everything we’ve asked of them… a lot of our top players have been patient.” Jones would go on to say, “We’re just in a better position to be able to move forward.” He would even go on to say that, barring something crazy, the plan is not to sell at the deadline.

Jones would go on to reiterate Hilferty’s statement that a success is not necessarily the postseason, but instead just seeing the team improve from last year. It was very clear that the theme of the day remains patience.

Here are some other updates provided by the Flyers’ brass on Wednesday Morning.

Read More: Flyers Release 2025 Rookie Camp Roster and Schedule

A Carter Hart Update

If you are looking for a Carter Hart update, you will have to wait until the league reinstates the former Flyers goaltender before the organization speaks on the current situation.

When asked by a reporter if the organization would be interested in a reunion if he were reinstated, Hilferty said, “At this point, we’re not going to comment on that situation. The NHL has made it clear they’ll speak first. Right now, we’re not prepared to comment at all about the Carter Hart situation.”

It was a very short update, but worth mentioning.

For what it’s worth, my gut reaction still tells me there will be no reunion. The organization is very high on Sam Ersson. Not to mention the addition of Dan Vladar gives them a competent backup to take a sizable share from Ersson, comfortably. The Flyers also have Carson Bjarnason and Yegor Zavragin in the pipeline. Personally, I just don’t see the reunion happening.

Tyson Foerster “On Pace” for Flyers Season Opener

Early in the offseason, Flyers forward Tyson Foerster made headlines when the news broke that he had suffered an “upper-body injury”. A few days after the news broke, Flyers GM Danny Briere told the media that the rising star had suffered an injury at the men’s World Championships, which had become infected in his elbow, requiring surgery to clean the infection.

It was feared that he could miss parts of the beginning of the season. While recent clues, like Foerster skating during optionals with his teammates or even attending golf outings, have made things seem pretty optimistic, Jones gave the official update.

On Wednesday, Jones said the Foerster was “on pace” to be available for the Flyers’ season opener against Florida on October 9th—great news for Foerster.

REMINDER

A quick reminder before you go! We are doing our last Flyers mailbag of the offseason. If you have any questions you’d like answered before the season gets into full swing, please leave them below.

Read More: Final Offseason Flyers Mailbag

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