Sun-Sentinel: Former Wild coach Jacques Lemaire talking to Panthers?
Could be, and most certainly in nothing more than an advisory role, according to Steve Gorten: I called up Lemaire today and asked about his interest in joining the Panthers as a consultant, similar to a role Scotty Bowman has filled in recent years with the Red Wings and now Blackhawks. Here's what Lemaire told me: "There were a lot of things that were said that are not true. What I said is I'm looking to work for a team that is located on the East coast. A lot of people, because I live in Palmetto, which is not that far from Tampa, speculated the deal was done and that's where I'm going to go." Gorten quashes the idea with the case of a possible power struggle at the top and the removal of Denis Potvin for "budgetary" reasons. Not mention: You'd have a GM and consultant pushing a defensive-oriented roster and approach on a coach that needs more offensive tools. Sound logic. The Cats would be unwise to not at the very least sit down with the guy and mine his brain; perhaps he could provide something to the club in such an advisory role. But Gorten's points make too much sense.

