Flyers hire Nick Schultz as player development coach

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VOORHEES, N.J. — Nick Schultz, a former Flyer who also played for general manager Chuck Fletcher in Minnesota, has been hired by the club as a player development coach.

Schultz, 36, suited up for the Flyers in his final three NHL seasons from 2014-17 and appeared in 743 games with the Wild. The former defenseman was a smart, role-oriented, team-first guy throughout his 15-year career.

"We're happy to have Nick come aboard and help develop the prospects in our system," Fletcher said Wednesday in a release by the team. "Having enjoyed a lengthy career in which he played over 1,000 games as a defenseman in the NHL, Nick brings a wealth of experience and knowledge on what it takes to be a pro."

Jakub Voracek provided a classic quote about Schultz during the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs. It was after a 2-0 loss in Game 1 to the Capitals in which Schultz blocked three shots and was putting his body in front of blasts off the stick of Alex Ovechkin.

"It takes some big balls to go into that shooting lane," Voracek said then. "When you look at Schultz blocking shots, it's pretty impressive. That's what you've got to do to win a game."

Schultz has been at Flyers development camp this week.

"It's exciting," Schultz said in the release by the team. "I'm looking forward to working with the guys, helping Kjell Samuelsson with the defensemen, and getting to know the kids and their game a little bit. I'm looking forward to working with them throughout the year, watching them play and helping them make it to the next step, and ultimately one day become a Flyer."

The Flyers did not subtract at all from their staff. Fletcher mentioned the growing importance of player development and all that it requires.

"I know he's coaching his son's hockey team and enjoying life, but at some point, I think he thought he wanted to get back in the game and this gives him an entry point to come in, share his expertise and work with our young defenseman," Fletcher said. "We'll start a little slower and build and just see what he wants to do. My assumption is at some point, I could see him being a great coach in this league."

In addition to the Schultz news, the Flyers have brought on Andy Rannells as an assistant equipment manager and Dan Warnke as an assistant strength and conditioning coach. Both previously worked for AHL affiliate Lehigh Valley.

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