Paul Holmgren Will Coach Whalers

HARTFORD, Conn. — Paul Holmgren will replace Jim Roberts as head coach of the Hartford Whalers, a spokesman for the NHL team said Saturday night.

Holmgren, who coached the Philadelphia Flyers for more than three seasons before being fired in December, will be introduced at a news conference on Monday, John Forslund said.

Whaler General Manager Brian Burke made the decision Saturday, Forslund said. Burke had no comment.

Roberts, 52, finished with a 26-41-13 record, fourth in the Adams Division. He took the Whalers to seven games against Montreal in the division semifinal in his only year as coach. He could not be reached for comment Saturday.

Holmgren, 36, would be the third coach in as many seasons for the Whalers. Roberts succeeded Rick Ley last June, when the latter was fired after two seasons by then-General Manager Ed Johnston. Johnston was fired May 11.