I think this is Briere putting his stamp on the organization.
He's been patient, I think Torts was on his way out even before his meltdown, b/c Briere knew it was time to move on, Torts had done his job, weeded out the players who didn't fit Briere's vision of a playoff team. Lappy is out b/c Briere wants to integrate the organization and have his people in place at every level. This is similar to how he's handled personnel moves, taking his time, waiting until can get what he wants. Didn't try to change everything when he first got the job. Earned the trust of Hilferty, built a strong relationship with Jones, that gave him the base to make the changes he thinks the organization needs.
Briere comes off as a "nice" guy, a little passive, get along type, but he had the killer instinct as a player and I suspect he's just as competitive in the FO. But he's not Hextall, trying to cut everyone out, more the opposite, he gives everyone the impression that their input is important before he does what he wants to do.
Notice he never boxes himself into a corner, they'd like to be competitive but the players will dictate, he fluffs his own players and acts as if he'd rather not move them, until the right offer comes along. Always touts the company line, yet never commits to any course of action.
