The Florida Panthers today announced that general manager Dale Tallon is out. He will not have his contract renewed at the end of the season.
#FlaPanthers Announce Search for Franchise's Next General Manager.
» https://t.co/J8QY0OSCWR pic.twitter.com/rB3ifrZTDo
— Florida Panthers (@FlaPanthers) August 10, 2020
Dale Tallon Out as Panthers GM
The Florida Panthers have parted ways with Dale Tallon. This season, the team has a record of 35 wins and 26 losses. The Panthers season ended in the Stanley Cup Qualifying Round. They were eliminated by the New York Islanders in 4 games.
The former 10 year NHL pro had been with the Panthers since May 2010. Formerly of the Chicago Blackhawks, more was expected of the architect of their dynasty. The Panthers have not won a playoff series under Tallon.
More was expected this year. The Panthers brought in unrestricted free agent Sergei Bobrovsky from Columbus for $10.million per year. The aim was to supplement a developing roster featuring core pieces such as Aaron Ekblad and Aleksander Barkov.
Under Dale Tallon, the Panthers failed to win a playoff series in 3 appearances over 10 years https://t.co/ogjlU2pQIT
— Hockey Night in Canada (@hockeynight) August 10, 2020
What This Means for the Future
Under Tallon, the team has not won a playoff series. After a decade of rebuilding, the team was expected to take a major leap forward this year. Despite major talent, the lack of depth of this team was quickly exposed in the playoffs.
Even with former Stanley Cup Winning coach Joel Quenneville behind the bench, the team played poor defence. Bobrovsky also failed to live up to his large contract, which left the team struggling to win games.
Caught between rebuilding and competing, the Panthers may seek major changes. With a flat salary cap on the horizon and a very deep 2020 NHL Draft, moves will be possible. The Panthers have a young core that should be able to compete but haven’t been able to get over the hunt.
A new architect will have a chance to build what should be a bright future in Florida.
