Florida Panthers announce multi-year extension with GM Dale Tallon

The Florida Panthers signed general manager Dale Tallon to a multi-year contract extension, the team announced Friday morning.

The 65-year-old Tallon joined the Panthers on May 17, 2010 after 33 years with the Chicago Blackhawks organization. This included a stint as general manager where he helped create the groundwork for the team’s recent run of success with three Stanley Cups since 2010. Tallon was the general manager in charge when the team drafted winger Patrick Kane and center Jonathan Toews.

The Panthers capped off a record December stretch that included seven straight wins to vault them into first place in the Atlantic Division. Florida also announced Tom Rowe has been named associate general manager. He was the team’s head coach of their AHL affiliate in Portland.

According to the Miami Herald, the deal is for three years.

"We are very pleased that Dale has agreed to sign a multi-year contract extension," Florida Panthers executive chairman Peter Luukko said in a statement provided by the team. "Dale has done an outstanding job building our roster over the last six years. This extension brings added stability to our organization and hockey operations department."

Said Tallon in a statement, "I want to thank (owner) Vinnie Viola and his partner Doug Cifu for the opportunity to continue to build what our hockey operations department has started here in Florida," Tallon said. "I'm excited for what the future holds for our team with an exciting nucleus of young players along with our mix of veterans."

During Tallon’s tenure the team has drafted several strong players, including 2013 Calder Trophy winner Jonathan Huberdeau (No. 3 overall in 2011) and 2015 Calder winner Aaron Ekblad (No. 1 overall in 2014). Tallon also selected No. 1 center Aleskander Barkov with the second-overall pick in the 2013 NHL Draft.

He also traded for veterans Roberto Luongo and Jaromir Jagr.

The Panthers have made the playoffs once since the 1999-2000 season.

Florida also announced Portland Pirates assistant coach Scott Allenwill take over as head coach for the AHL team. He had been an assistant with the Panthers at the AHL level for the last three seasons.

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