Gallant Officially Named Panthers Coach

The Florida Panthers have officially named Gerard Gallant their new head coach, the NHL club announced today.

From the Panthers website:

Florida Panthers Executive Vice President and General Manager Dale Tallon announced today that Gerard Gallant has been named the club’s new head coach. 

“We are pleased to welcome Gerard as the new head coach of the Florida Panthers,” said Tallon. “He is an individual with tremendous character, integrity and a strong passion for the game and has experience as an NHL head coach. Gerard is an excellent teacher and motivator who possesses the leadership qualities and hockey knowledge that are necessary to lead our team.”

A press conference will be held on Monday to introduce Gallant.

“Turk” coached the Sea Dogs from 2009 to 2012, leading the team to three President’s Cup finals, two President’s Cup titles, and a Memorial Cup championship. He has been an assistant coach with the Montreal Canadiens for the past two seasons.

We’ve seen Gallant lead a young team before and he’ll be asked to do it again in Florida. The Panthers, already a young squad, have the first overall pick in next week’s NHL Draft.