- George Richards of the Miami Herald: The Panthers fired interim coach Peter Horachek yesterday. Barry Trotz is thought to be near the top of potential replacements.
“Barry Trotz is a hell of a coach,” Tallon said when prompted.
Peter Laviolette is also on GM Dale Tallon’s radar. They will be looking for a coach with more experience.
“We felt as a group that this wasn’t quite the right fit in the direction we’re headed in,” Tallon said.
“We probably need someone with more NHL coaching experience heading down the road. The past few coaches we’ve had have had no NHL coaching experience and as a group we needed to find someone with more coaching experience. We’re going to identify the guys who are available and find the guy who has the most experience probably.”
Tallon hopes to have a coach in place by the draft.
“We’re going to interview every possible candidate, take our time and make the best decision,” Tallon said. “However long it takes – if we decide to do it tomorrow, it’s tomorrow. I don’t foresee that happening. We’re going to interview a lot of candidates.”
- Ben Raby of CSN Washington: The Capitals, Panthers and Predators are now looking for a coach. Peter Laviolette and Barry Trotz have been linked to the Capitals, and will likely be linked to the Panthers.
- Hope Smoke: Darren Dreger: “There is a connection between Tallon and Carlyle that dates back to their playing time in Pitt. They’re pretty good friends” … “The problem is, Carlyle is still employed by the Leafs. Speaking to Nonis he told me nothing is imminent”
- Hope Smoke: Darren Dreger: “I’d guess that a decision will be made on Carlyle in about two weeks.” (was said two weeks ago as well)
- Hope Smoke: Ray Ferraro: “If I’m Trotz and I come to Toronto I want to know who my boss is. I need that defined before I accept. “