On Monday August 10th, the Florida Panthers organization and Dale Tallon mutually agreed to part ways after 10 years at the helm. By the start of the 2020-21 season, the Panthers will have a new general manager at the helm.
The news comes just three days after the Florida Panthers were eliminated by the New York Islanders, thus failing to qualify for the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
With regards to his time with the Panthers coming to an end on Monday morning, Tallon said in a release from the team, “I would like to thank the South Florida fans and community for the last 10 years, and the Viola family for the last seven with this franchise. I have had the opportunity to work with a group of first-class individuals, including a mentor of mine, the late William A. Torrey and I’ve had the privilege of watching the development of the organization’s young talent who have become great players and even better people.”
How Will Dale Tallon’s Tenure Be Remembered?
Not counting the recently concluded play-in series, under Dale Tallon, the Florida Panthers made it into the playoffs in two out of his 10 years as general manager. In those two years (2011-12, 2015-16), the Panthers won the Atlantic Division title, but were then eliminated during first round action.
It is no surprise, given this record, that the Florida Panthers organization is finally looking to move on and bring in new management that can elevate the Panthers. With a roster that includes the likes of Aleksander Barkov, Jonathan Huberdeau and Sergei Bobrovsky, an effort should made to ensure that these players can contend in the postseason on a regular basis.
Dale Tallon also brought on Joel Quenneville who coached the Chicago Blackhawks to three Stanley Cup wins in 2010, 2013 and 2015 during the offseason.
Where Do The Florida Panthers Go From Here?
As the news of the Florida Panthers searching for a new general manager has just come out, it is too early to speculate on who may fulfill the vacant role held by Tallon. It is likely the Panthers will take as much time as they need to ensure that they make a decision that is best suited for the organization.
According to Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet.ca, the Panthers will be conducting an external search for their next general manager. Therefore, they will not be looking within the organization for Dale Tallon’s replacement.
Fortunately for the Florida Panthers, they will be one of the eight teams who will be eligible to select Alexis Lafreniere first overall. This of course being the case if they win the sweepstakes which will unveiled on Monday. The Draft Lottery will be held on Monday at 6:00pmET on NBCSN and Sportsnet and TVA Sports. As well, the one hour special will also be carried on TVA Sports.
Whomever the general manager of the Florida Panthers may be in the future, the prospect of drafting Alexis Lafreniere would be a good way to start off their tenure. The foundation of the Panthers team is already present with good players in each key position and a three-time Stanley Cup winning head coach. The next step would be to build around them in order to start making more frequent postseason appearances.