Florida Panthers head coach Paul Maurice led his team to its first Stanley Cup in franchise history just 6 months ago. Now the Cats have won their 111th victory under his leadership, solidifying his status as the winningest coach in Florida Panthers history. This milestone comes after the team vanquished the San Jose Sharks on Saturday, when he surpassed former leader Jacques Martin, who held the top spot after his run with the organization from 2006 to 2008.
“It’s been a lot of fun,” Maurice says. “But the intensity, the ups and downs, and the success has made it. These guys are fun to coach.”
From a franchise perspective, it’s a more significant achievement than it might seem.
Since taking over as head coach in June 2022, Maurice has led the Panthers to significant milestones, including the 2023 Eastern Conference Championship and an appearance in the franchise’s first Stanley Cup Final in nearly three decades. His leadership has been instrumental in the team’s success, fostering a culture of resilience and camaraderie. Players have consistently praised Maurice’s coaching style.
“He knows how to prepare the team to win games and play the right way, and that’s what’s most important,” Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov said. “He wants us to play the right way, and the wins will come.”
Maurice’s latest milestone is part of a coaching career that spans nearly three decades. The 56-year-old Winnipeg native began his NHL journey in 1995 with the Hartford Whalers, becoming the youngest head coach in league history. He later coached the Carolina Hurricanes, Toronto Maple Leafs and Winnipeg Jets before briefly stepping away from the NHL in 2021. Maurice returned to coaching in 2022 when the Panthers offered him the opportunity behind their bench.
“He’s great at getting the best out of each and every player, which is super hard to do as a coach, but he’s seemed to master that,” said Panthers forward Matthew Tkachuk. “That’s an unbelievable skill to have for him. We all love playing for him, and hopefully we can make that record that much bigger.”
As the Panthers continue their season, Maurice’s record-setting achievement stands as a testament to his dedication and the cohesive unit he has cultivated. His ability to inspire and strategize has positioned the team as strong contenders in the league, with eyes set on returning to the Stanley Cup Final. The Panthers play the Seattle Kraken on Dec. 10 at 10 p.m. on ESPN+.
