"Make the playoffs, make the playoffs," general manager Dale Tallon told NHL.com during the recent NHL Scouting Combine in Buffalo. "That's our first goal and we'll take it from there."
The Panthers have reached the playoffs twice in the past 17 seasons. That's a trend Tallon hopes to help change.
They already made a major splash hiring Joel Quenneville as coach on April 8. Quenneville was behind the bench of the Chicago Blackhawks for three Stanley Cup titles (2010, 2013, 2015) and brings the type of no-nonsense attitude Florida is looking for.
"Our owner (Vincent Viola) has made a commitment, and now it's up to us," Tallon said. "We will look at all the outlets possible to improve."
In a wide-ranging interview with NHL.com, Tallon discussed his relationship with Quenneville and the impact he will have on the team, and how aggressive the Panthers plan to be this summer.
You've been quite outspoken about how active you plan to be this offseason trying to add talent to your roster. Which avenues will you explore to do that? Free agency? The NHL Draft? Via trade?
"All of the above. Whatever we can to get better without jeopardizing our future. The key is how we handle that and what's the right fit moving forward."
What positions and aspects of your team do you need to address this summer?
"Obviously our goals against last year was not very good at 5-on-5. Our power play and penalty killing was very good. We have some good players. It's just a matter of keeping the puck out of our own net. Goaltending and defense have to be better."
