I CAN’T BELIEVE HE IS GOING: Current Head Coach Paul Maurice had, Submitted Resignation Letter to…see more

In another shocking twist in what is becoming one of the most dramatic offseasons in Florida Panthers history, Head Coach Paul Maurice has officially submitted his resignation letter, just hours after star forward Brad Marchand walked away from the team to sign a mega-deal with the St. Louis Blues.

The Florida Panthers front office confirmed the news in a press release late this afternoon, stating:

“We have received and accepted the resignation of Head Coach Paul Maurice, effective immediately. We thank him for his leadership and contributions to our organization over the past seasons and wish him the best in his future endeavors.”

The news comes on the heels of Marchand’s abrupt departure — and insiders suggest the two events may be closely connected.

Tensions Behind Closed Doors?

Sources close to the team report that Marchand and Maurice had clashed repeatedly over systems, leadership dynamics, and Marchand’s role in the locker room.

One insider described the atmosphere as “tense and fractured” following the Panthers’ second-round playoff exit this spring.

While Maurice has not publicly commented yet, his decision to resign just after a high-profile player exit raises serious questions about internal turmoil in the Panthers organization.

A Respected Voice Steps Down

Paul Maurice, 58, has been a respected fixture in the NHL coaching ranks for over two decades. He took over behind the Panthers bench in 2022 and led the team to a Stanley Cup Final appearance in 2023, earning widespread praise for reining in Florida’s offense and instilling structure.

Under Maurice, the Panthers compiled a regular-season record of 127–73–20 and were considered perennial contenders in the Eastern Conference.

This resignation likely signals a deeper rift within the locker room — and could mean a major organizational shakeup is on the horizon.

What’s Next for Florida?

The search for a new head coach is now officially underway. Panthers GM Bill Zito is expected to begin interviews this week, with several names already rumored as potential candidates:

• Gerard Gallant (former Panthers and Rangers coach)

• Andrew Brunette (current Predators head coach, former Panthers interim)

• Spencer Carbery (Capitals head coach — possibly available)

• Sheldon Keefe (recently let go by Toronto)

Florida will need someone who can steady the ship and restore trust in the locker room, especially after two high-profile exits in the same week.

A Franchise at a Crossroads

The Panthers, just two years removed from their Stanley Cup Final run, are now staring at a leadership vacuum both on the bench and on the ice.

Brad Marchand is gone. Paul Maurice has walked away. And the Eastern Conference is only getting stronger.

Will this be a brief hiccup or the beginning of a rebuild in South Florida?

Stay tuned — more details are expected to emerge in the coming days as the franchise regroups.