Patrick Sharp joins Flyers as special advisor to hockey operations

The Philadelphia Flyers have announced the appointment of longtime NHLer and former Flyer Patrick Sharp as Special Advisor to Hockey Operations, via a press release Tuesday.

In his new position, Sharp, 41, will report directly to general manager Daniel Brière and advise in “all aspects of the club’s hockey operations department.” His primary focus will be on player development, particularly with the Flyers’ prospects, the team said.

Newly-minted president of hockey operations, Keith Jones, expressed confidence in Sharp’s addition.

In adding Patrick Sharp to our group, we are gaining an individual who has a wealth of knowledge when it comes to building an environment of winning at all levels. Patrick knows what it takes to win, he understands how to convey that to our players and is a relationship maker. He will be a vital component as we continue to build the foundation of the Philadelphia Flyers.

Jones and Sharp were colleagues for multiple years as broadcasters, both doing work for NBC Sports (and briefly TNT) on American television. Sharp spent the last five seasons in broadcasting roles following his retirement from the NHL in 2018. In September 2021, he also joined the University of Vermont as an advisor to their coaching staff.

As a player, Sharp served as an alternate captain for the Chicago Blackhawks during their championship seasons in 2010, 2013, and 2015. Originally selected by the Flyers in the third round of the 2001 NHL Draft, Sharp also contributed to the AHL’s Philadelphia Phantoms’ Calder Cup Championship in 2005.

Sharp also represented Canada in international competitions, including the 2008 and 2012 IIHF Men’s World Championships, and won a gold medal at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi.

Throughout his career, Sharp amassed 620 points in 939 NHL games over 15 seasons with the Flyers, Blackhawks and Dallas Stars. In 142 Stanley Cup Playoff games, he tallied 47 goals and 40 assists for 87 points.