Legendary NHL Executive's Unconventional Career Path Revealed. A new look into the life of John Fletcher, a highly respected figure in the National Hockey League, has shed light on the twists and turns of his career. Fletcher's path to the top was far from traditional, as he left the Toronto Maple Leafs in 1997, only to retire to Florida. However, his retirement was short-lived, as he joined the Tampa Bay Lightning as a senior adviser in 1999 under the guidance of Coach Jacques Demers. Two years later, Fletcher made the bold move to the Phoenix Coyotes, taking on the role of General Manager, marking the beginning of a storied career in the NHL.

Fletcher left Toronto in 1997 and retired to Florida, only to join the Tampa Bay Lightning as a senior adviser in 1999 under Jacques Demers. Two years later, he moved to the Phoenix Coyotes as GM and ...