According to TSN’s Bob McKenzie, Florida Panthers head coach Bob Boughner’s job is in jeopardy.
The Florida Panthers are likely heading for an offseason full of changes. After nearly making the Stanley Cup Playoffs during the 2017-18 season, they have been a huge disappointment this season. It’s not just their roster that’s likely to change. According to Bob McKenzie of TSN, Panthers head coach Bob Boughner could be on the hot seat.
He said this during a recent radio interview with TSN 1200 (he starts around the 7:35 mark).
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Tallon has been with the Panthers since 2010, serving as their general manager in all but one season (the 2016-17 season). Since arriving, his team has only made it to the Stanley Cup Playoffs twice in nine seasons. It appears Tallon is ready to shake things up in the organization, as the current status quo isn’t getting things done.
While it’s unfortunate Boughner is likely going to draw the short straw, this is normal for a head coach. As they say, it’s easier to find a new coach than it is to find a new roster. Plus, the Panthers have tried shaking up the roster via signing Evgeny Dadonov and trading for Mike Hoffman. So maybe Tallon is ready to explore moving on from Boughner.
The Panthers are likely going to be major players in free agency. They’re reportedly going to target top-tier guys like Artemi Panarin and Sergei Bobrovsky. The Panthers certainly have the cap space necessary to sign at least one of them.
Florida could also shake things up via a trade. It’s clear what their problems are – their defense and their goaltending. The Panthers have a pretty impressive forward group, so don’t be surprised if they trade a forward for a defenseman. Signing Panarin could help them replace whoever they trade.
According to The Athletic (subscription required), the Panthers plan on being very active in free agency. They hope to win over free agents with money and the prospects of playing near the beach. Florida’s friendly tax laws should help the Panthers win over free agents as well. The Tampa Bay Lightning have been able to do so.
As of March 28, 2019, Boughner has a 76-62-20 record through two seasons with the Panthers.