On the Florida Panthers …
Harvey Fialkov of the Sun-Sentinel: Panthers GM Dale Tallon is looking to hire a younger coach that is able identify with their younger core players.
“We’re looking for a creative guy, a contemporary guy that is a good communicator, a good teacher … that can handle the younger player today and that can understand that they still have to be coached and mentored and taught and yet still have that passion to win,’’ Tallon said Monday.
Tallon is looking for a coach who employs a run-and-gun offensive style. Tallon has several potential candidates who are with teams that are still playing.
Some potential candidates that fit that bill are Phil Housley (Predators) and Todd Reirden (Capitals). They will talk to Jim Montgomery (U. of Denver). Davis Payne and John Steven (Kings) could be options. Other names could include Sheldon Keefe, Jack Capuano, Ralph Krueger, Mike Stothers and Travis Green.
On the New Jersey Devils …
Andrew Gross of The Record: The Devils have nine pending unrestricted free agents: Marc Savard (retired), Luke Gazdic, Petr Straka, Shane Harper and Carter Camper, defensemen Seth Helgeson, Karl Stollery and Andrew MacWilliam and goalie Keith Kinkaid.
If the Vegas Golden Knights select New York Rangers goaltend Antti Raanta, the Rangers will be looking for a backup goaltender for next season.
“Not sure what’s going on with that,” Kinkaid said when asked about his upcoming contract negotiations. “No rush here, we’ve got a while. Personally, I just want to do what I did last offseason and get stronger, quicker than I’ve ever been. I think that really helped my game and I think it could help me going forward too.”
Kinkaid might be looking for an opportunity to play more which may not happen behind Cory Schneider.
“I wouldn’t say I’m content at all (to be a backup),” Kinkaid said. “Obviously I want to be a starter someday. You never want to get to get too comfortable. I think the more games I played this year, you could see it in my play, the growth in my game. I think I’m at a good age where my career could take a turn for the good so we’ll see what goes on.”
The Devils will have to decide where Scott Wedgewood fits into their plans. Wedgewood only played in 10 games this season as he had surgery back in November for a torn labrum. He’s expected to be ready for training camp.