“Realest coach in the Game” – Fans ECSTATIC as HC Paul Maurice signs multi-year contract extension with Panthers

Paul Maurice has led the Florida Panthers to two successive Stanley Cup finals in his two seasons in charge.

“Realest coach in the Game” – Fans ECSTATIC as HC Paul Maurice signs multi-year contract extension with Panthers

Paul Maurice (Image via Sporting News)

On Tuesday (October 22), Florida Panthers President of Hockey Operations & General Manager Bill Zito announced that the franchise has successfully agreed terms with head coach Paul Maurice over a multi-year contract extension. This comes after the 57-year-old coach led the Florida-based outfit to Stanley Cup glory in June this year.

Now in his third season with the team, Maurice has compiled a 98-58-15 regular season record. Apart from this, he has also achieved 29 postseason wins (29-16), the most of any coach in the club’s history.

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In his first two seasons, he has guided the team to two successive Stanley Cup finals. This success has led to GM Zito hailing him as a “leader” and a “superb communicator“.

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Paul has resolutely led our organization to unprecedented success during his relatively short tenure in South Florida. He is a superb communicator and leader for our staff and players, possessing a keen strategic mind for the game. We are excited for Paul and his staff to continue to keep the Florida Panthers as a destination franchise for the foreseeable future.

Bill Zito said, as per NHL.com

The veteran coach is second on the list for the most games managed by a coach in the NHL. His 1,855 regular season games are only bettered by Scotty Bowman, who coached a total of 2,141 games. Maurice also ranks fourth on the list of most wins with 874.

Speaking on the extension, Maurice claimed the Panthers gave him a nice offer and that he is interested in coaching the team as long they want him.

There was really no negotiation. They made me a really nice offer and we shook hands and I said, ‘Thank you.’ And that was it. I’m interested in coaching the Florida Panthers for as long as they’ll have me.

Paul Maurice said (via The Washington Post)
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Following the extension news, the Panthers welcomed the Minnesota Wild at the Amerant Bank Arena. The visitors though would spoil the party of the Stanley Cup holders as they crushed them 5-1.

Fans react to Paul Maurice’s contract extension

Fans on social media seemed to be thrilled with the news of a contract extension for Paul Maurice. As soon as the news broke out, fans were quick to congratulate him and joined in on the celebrations.

Paul Maurice
Paul Maurice (Image via Florida Hockey Now)

While one fan called him the “realest coach in the game“, another called him a “great leader” on X. Apart from them, fans also hailed him as a “legend” and “GOAT” for his success with the Cats in his two seasons.

Check out some more reactions from the fans regarding this below:

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Despite losing 5-1 to the Minnesota Wild, the Panthers are still top of the Atlantic Division with a 4-3-1 record. They will now take on the New York Rangers in their next match and hope to make amends for Tuesday’s disappointments.