It looks like the Florida Panthers are bringing in a new head coach.
TSN’s Darren Dreger reported on Wednesday morning that the Panthers are expected to introduce Paul Maurice as the team’s head coach. Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli followed up on that report with news that Andrew Brunette will be offered a “significant role” to remain with the Panthers.
Brunette took over as head coach after Joel Quenneville resigned amidst his involvement in the Chicago Blackhawks and Kyle Beach situation.
The Panthers went 51-18-6 under Brunette and won the Presidents’ Trophy for the first time in franchise history. They also won their first playoff round since 1996, beating the Washington Capitals in the first round, but then got swept by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the second round.
Brunette was named a finalist for the Jack Adams Award for the NHL’s best coach this season, but he ultimately lost out to Darryl Sutter of the Calgary Flames.
Brunette has been with the Panthers since 2019-20 when he joined the organization as an assistant coach on Quenneville’s staff. He also served as the assistant general manager and director of player personnel of the Minnesota Wild before joining the Panthers.
Maurice has an extensive NHL head coaching resume that dates all the way back to 1995 when he was hired by the Hartford Whalers at the age of 29. Since then, Maurice has coached the Toronto Maple Leafs, Carolina Hurricanes, and, most recently, the Winnipeg Jets.
Back in December, Maurice resigned from his head coaching position with the Jets in the midst of his ninth season with the club.
“They need a new voice,” Maurice said when he resigned. “They need somebody to help them get to that next place. I’m cheering for these guys. I love these guys. I love this place. I know that it’s time.”
Maurice sits seventh in all-time coaching wins in the NHL with 775. He also has the most losses in NHL history at 681.
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