SUNRISE, Fla. -The Florida Panthers announced today that an organizational search will begin for the franchise's next General Manager immediately.
Dale Tallon's contract was set to expire following the 2019-20 season. This search follows a mutual agreement between Tallon and the organization to part ways following a 10-season tenure with the club.
"For the last decade, Dale raised the team's profile, attracted key players to South Florida and brought character and class to our franchise," said Owner & Governor Vincent Viola. "When we purchased the Panthers in 2013, we did so with a singular goal-to win a Stanley Cup. We have not seen our efforts come to fruition. We will now begin an organizational search for the next General Manager."
"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," said Tallon. "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."
"We want to thank Dale for his dedication and leadership over the years to our franchise," said Panthers President & CEO Matt Caldwell. "Working closely with ownership, we are committed to finding the best fit for General Manager of our team going forward."
"We will conduct a broad and comprehensive search to find the right leader who will direct our hockey operations towards building a championship caliber franchise."
The Florida Panthers were eliminated by the New York Islanders in the 2020 Qualifying Round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The franchise has not advanced past the first round of the playoffs in 24 years, with postseason berths in 1997, 2000, 2012, 2016 and a qualifying round berth in 2020.
