Several pieces of information about coaches that were in the Flyers organization last season surfaced on Wednesday.

The first was about former Flyers Associate and Interim Head Coach Brad Shaw. Later in the day, a report with information on Lehigh Valley Phantoms Head Coach Ian Laperrière also came out.

Both coaches were candidates for the Flyers’ head coaching position before the team decided to go with Rick Tocchet. Now, neither coach may be in the Flyers organization next season.

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Brad Shaw Found a New Home Nearby

The Philadelphia Flyers seemed to have decided between Brad Shaw and Rick Tocchet as their finalists for the head coaching position. The team, obviously, went with Tocchet and left Shaw the option to remain in Philadelphia.

That had put Brad Shaw in an odd position. He could have chosen to stay. Shaw had said numerous times that he loved the organization, the players, and the area. However, he was very publicly named a finalist, and the Flyers went in a different direction.

Shortly after, reports began surfacing saying that Shaw would not return to the Flyers bench and that it was his decision (Charlie O’Connor of PHLY had it first). Can you blame Shaw? It has to be very difficult to come in and work for someone who got the job you interviewed for. Especially when you were a finalist.

Regardless, Shaw was widely regarded to be one of the best assistants out there, and it would not take long for him to get scooped up. It’s now being reported that Shaw won’t be going far.

Dave Pagnotta of The 4th Period reported that Shaw will be joining Sheldon Keefe’s coaching staff and will be headed to the New Jersey Devils.

The coaching carousel extends well beyond the Head Coach openings. Lots of team are retooling their staffs. I’m hearing Brad Shaw, former Flyers Asst Coach/Interim HC, is joining the Devils bench.

— David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) May 21, 2025

If that report holds true, that is a massive win for the Devils and a big loss for the Flyers, especially when you face the Devils three to four times a year.

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Ian Laperrière Leaves the Phantoms, Flyers Bench Not An Option

This day was bound to come eventually, but Lehigh Valley Phantoms head coach Ian Laperrière is leaving the team. He still wants an NHL head coaching job. Per multiple reports, the news is confirmed, and the Phantoms will be looking for a new head coach.

Like Shaw, Laperrière was a candidate for the Flyers’ head coaching vacancy, which he had wanted for some time. After being passed over, Laperrière felt that it was time to move on from the Phantoms and find a different opportunity that would put him in line for an NHL head coaching job.

That head coaching job would not be found in Philadelphia, so both sides thought it was best to move on.

Laperrière will not be handed the keys to one of the remaining vacancies; however, an NHL assistant job may make him a more realistic candidate for future head coaching vacancies.

That said, Anthony SanFilippo of OnPattison confirmed that Laperrière will not be joining Rick Tocchet’s staff.

He will not be.

— Anthony SanFilippo (@AntSanPhilly) May 21, 2025

Tocchet still needs to hire his staff, but you can now cross one more name off the list.

Now that the Flyers have hired one coach, they’ll have to find another for their AHL affiliate.

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