Panthers clarify front office setup, sort of
Florida Panthers President and CEO Matthew Caldwell told Paste BN Sports that contrary to news media reports the command structure of the team and Dale Tallon’s role within it remains the same.
“Nothing has changed on our end,” Caldwell said. “Everyone’s roles are the same, positions are the same, titles are the same.”
On Wednesday, TSN.ca reported that Tallon would have a greater say in personnel decisions, the role he previously held before the team embraced a committee approach to leadership.
The Panthers have struggled this season with a 13-13-4 record and in fifth place in the Atlantic Division entering Thursday. Last season, when Tallon was working in more of traditional general manager role, the team won the division with 103 points.
“We are a little unorthodox in that we have a lot of voices in the room, including our owners who are very involved,” Caldwell said. “They look at all data, look at scouting reports, they talk to Dale. They care. They are really into it.”
Caldwell said “we definitely make a lot of decisions by committee.”
“There’s no one person that has a final say,” Caldwell said. “We look at a lot of different options and then ultimately present them to ownership. Owners have final say on how we operate.”
Tallon was promoted to President of Hockey Operations in May, and Tom Rowe was promoted to general manager. At that point, it seemed Tallon would have less autonomy. Co-assistant general managers Eric Joyce and Steve Werier also play a role in decision making.
The change in command also came with a greater emphasis on advanced analytics.
The Panthers made significant roster changes in the offseason, including trading away defensemen Erik Gudbranson and Dmitry Kulikov, and acquiring puck-moving defenseman Keith Yandle and defenseman Jason Demers. They added goaltender James Reimer.
Coach Gerard Gallant, who didn’t support all of the changes, was fired on Nov. 27, and Rowe went behind the bench. The team is 2-3-3 since then.
Although the Panthers haven't played as well as expected, their record of 13-13-4 is only two points off where the team was last season. The Panthers then went on a 12-game winning streak.
“We still have a lot of faith in the current roster and how the team is constructed,” Caldwell said.
According to Caldwell, no major moves are anticipated. But he said Tallon, Joyce and Werier are all calling other teams to see what is available.
“Despite what the media may say, we are not hitting the panic button,” Caldwell said. “This team still needs games to jell and work together. We are still building chemistry.”