When Dave Hakstol was handed the reigns as the Flyers' 19th coach in franchise history last May, speculation followed as to who he would name as his assistant coaching staff. Would he bring a fresh set of coaches behind the bench, or would he retain several Flyers assistants?

In the end, Hakstol opted to retain all of the Flyers' assistants — a wise-enough move, as it gave him some veteran NHL guidance as well as familiar faces for the players to work with. Ultimately, the Flyers still made the playoffs, and exceeded the expectations that were set forth at the beginning of the season.

Now that Hakstol has a full year of NHL experience under his belt, it's worth seeing if he will make any further changes to his staff of assistants, or stand pat. 

Joe Mullen:

It may seem hard to believe, but Joe Mullen has been overseeing the Flyers' power play for nearly a decade now. The Flyers' power play finished 11th in 2015-16 — at 18.9 percent — yet was a drop-off from third in 2014-15, at 23.4 percent. While the power play did dry up at points — as power plays are wont to do — it was most notable for fostering a strong chemistry between Shayne Gostsisbehere and Claude Giroux. While the power play was decent in the regular season, it was completely shut down in the playoffs, with the team going a dreadful 1-for-24. Despite that, expect Mullen to return for his 10th season behind the Flyers' bench.

Ian Laperriere:

In his second full season overseeing the Flyers' penalty kill units, Ian Laperriere helped it improve from 27th in the league to 20th. Under 'Lappy's' tutelage, the Flyers' shorthanded units improved from a dismal 77.1 percent to 80.5 percent. Expect the former Flyers fan favorite to reprise his role next season, and build off that improvement.

Gord Murphy:

One of the most experienced coaching minds on the Flyers' staff, Gord Murphy was mainly in charge of the defensive corps — highlighted by the rapid development of Gostisbehere and his record-setting run to Calder Trophy consideration. Statistically, the Flyers' defenders were far from the most spectacular, and still continued their shakiness that has plagued them in recent seasons. Considering the defensive talents that are still coming up the pipeline though, and how well Murphy has worked with younger blueliners (think along the lines of Gostisbehere and Radko Gudas), he'll be sticking around for next season.

Kim Dillabaugh:

The Orange and Black poached Kim Dillabaugh from the Los Angeles organization last offseason, and his first season with the Flyers yielded decent results. Though Steve Mason continued to be serviceable (looking like he bounced back to Earth at times, yet still playing at a superb level at other times), Dillabaugh's most notable work was reflected in Michal Neuvirth, who enjoyed something of a career renaissance in his first season as a Flyer. Neuvirth, who joined the Flyers as a journeyman on a one-year deal, posted a career-best GAA (2.27), and at one point led the NHL with a .937 save percentage (which later reverted to .924). Dillabaugh is a lock to return next season and beyond.

Adam Patterson:

You may notice several of the above coaches behind the bench with Hakstol in games, and if you have the opportunity to see the Orange and Black practice, you'll see them participate in the on-ice instruction. One coach you'll never see is Adam Patterson. As the video coach, Patterson is responsible for breaking down film clips of just about every possible situation that could occur on the ice. Whether or not it's for a quick intermission review, scouting an upcoming opponent or breaking down areas of improvement in a prior game, Patterson is responsible for breaking down film the other coaches will need. He assumed his post in 2009 — making him the second-longest tenured coach after Mullen — and may very well continue his responsibility.

It's not often that assistant coaches in the NHL will turn over, unless they're hired on a new staff or the front office wants to entirely clean house when making a coaching change. The Flyers' staff of assistants were able to help Hakstol ease into the transition between college and the NHL. Expect them to return to their unsung, yet important roles in 2016-17.

Rob Riches is a contributor to Flyerdelphia and Sports Talk Philly. Follow him on Twitter @Riches61