Paul Maurice was named head coach of the Florida Panthers on Wednesday, taking the helm of a team that finished with the best record in the Bettman league and rewrote its record book.
Maurice replaces interim head coach Andrew Brunette, who could remain with the organization if he so chooses.
Brunette took charge of the team early in the campaign following the resignation of Joel Quenneville amid revelations surrounding the Chicago Blackhawks’ handling of a former player’s allegations in the 2010 playoffs. Quenneville was the Hawks’ head coach at the time.
Panthers general manager Bill Zito said in a statement that Maurice’s hiring comes after a rigorous process to review all aspects of the team.
” After taking the time necessary for our analysis, we determined that we needed the perfect combination to continue with our improving players and with our franchise goals. Paul’s experience and intelligence are exactly what we were looking for and we’re excited for him to fill the head coaching position. “
The Panthers thus became the fourth NHL team to be led by Maurice. He began his career with the Hartford Whalers in 1995, two seasons before the organization moved to Carolina. He then coached the Toronto Maple Leafs for two seasons, before returning to Carolina and then spending nearly nine years as head coach of the Winnipeg Jets. A position he left last December.
I gave it my all for as long as I could here. I like these guys. They need a new voice though, I’m surehad dropped Maurice when he left the Jets.
Six months later, Maurice will get a fresh start with a team that aspires to top honors.
The Panthers won the Presidents’ Trophy and reached the second round of the playoffs, winning a series for the first time since 1996. Brunette was a finalist for Most Outstanding Head Coach in his first stint at the helm of a team from the Bettman circuit.
This, however, was not enough to land him the long-term job. The Panthers instead opted for Maurice, who ranks 4th in history with 1,684 games led in the NHL, as well as 7th with 775 wins. However, he never lifted the Stanley Cup.
Over the past three seasons, the Panthers have climbed to 2nd in the league in wins (130) and ranking point average per game (1.35). Only the Colorado Avalanche outperformed them in both categories.
Associated Press
Source: Radio-Canada
