Frank Seravalli seemingly had the inside track on this story:

Five days ago, Paul Holmgren scoffed at the idea of giving up his seat as the Flyers’ general manager.

“Do you think I look 70?” Holmgren barked. “I still feel pretty good. I’m certainly not in any position today where I want to change chairs.”

It’s amazing what five days and a little “coaxing” from chairman Ed Snider can do.

It doesn’t really matter. The Flyers organization is a shape-shifting mass of former notables, Bullies and OB thought leaders. One day, Hextall will move to an advisory role, then to an ambassadorship, and then he’ll die. Holmgren will be President for a few years, perhaps return to be an assistant GM to the guy who succeeds Hextall, and then he’ll die. Chris Pronger may one day become head scout, then assistant GM, then GM, and then he’ll die. Brian Boucher will be a staple at charity events and golf outings, perhaps one day will become the color analyst, and then he’ll die. Rick Tocchet will move in and out of the organization and then he’ll die. Ian Laperriere will eventually move up to the front office, and then he’ll die. Danny Briere will become an ambassador and perhaps head of Flyers charities, and then he’ll die. And Ed Snider will die.

It’s like the Game of Thrones opening– things pop up, they spin and then it’s on to the next one. Right now, a former King wears the crown.