Sexton out, Tallon in as Florida Panthers restructure GM's office
by Donny Rivette on May 17, 2010 2:16 PM EDT
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PrintAfter less than a calendar year, Randy Sexton has been replaced as general manager of the Florida Panthers by former Blackhawks GM Dale Tallon; the move will be officially announced Tuesday according to the Sun-Sentinel's Steve Gorten. Whether Sexton remains in some other capacity is yet to be seen, but I'm doubting it.
Co-owners Stu Siegel and Cliff Viner had several months ago promised a number of extensive changes to be implemented throughout the offseason, and this could definitely be considered "extensive".
This is an action that probably even most Sexton fans (of which I am one) can get behind; the club has finally hired a bona fide, post-lockout (read: salary cap) experienced and solidly respected manager. No disrespect to Sexton, and we're certainly not planning parades quite yet, but this guy's the real deal.
The 59 year-old Tallon, a former NHL defenseman with Vancouver, Chicago, and Pittsburgh, is generally considered the architect of the today's Chicago lineup, having with a bit of luck drafted Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews while wooing Marian Hossa to the 'Hawks, among many others.
The move allows for just over five weeks preparation time heading into the Entry Draft. And while he waits for the new office to be painted, there's always this appetizer to tackle.
More to come in a bit...and thanks to all who submitted the link.
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WOW!
Speachless, happy, and jumping up and down all at the same time.
No doubt this makes the Panthers different in many ways. Tallon deserved another shot and with what he has done in Chicago and how he built that roster I feel that at last we have something to look forward to. It won’t happen overnight, but we can be sure that the Panthers will be a different team.
Everyone will be evaluated. That’s the best thing.
Finally some good news!
Everyone will be evaluated.
Suggesting they weren’t previously? Just kidding; you brought up a valid point, Frank. This will be a top-down expedition.
by Donny Rivette on May 17, 2010 2:22 PM EDT up reply actions
Yes, my point being that there will be NO bias! That’s what the organization needed.
As an fan that grew up in Chicago (obviously still rooting for the Hawks), this is a well deserved move for a man who has a ton of respect in the league.
Every Panther fan should be happy with this!
by The Rat Trick on May 17, 2010 2:39 PM EDT up reply actions
I’m not sure I really understand this. Sexton seemed to be doing a decent job, to my eyes. He came in right before the draft and plucks Kulikov, one of the better first round picks. I thought Sexton deserved a little bit more of a look, but I can understand the owners wanting a quicker timeline. Still, Tallon is puzzling. He gets some credit for the CHI squad, but as you noted there was definitely some luck to that. He also signed Huet, Campbell, messed up both Seabrook’s and Versteeg’s Qualifying Offers, and almost traded for Nylander before the rest of the front office stepped in and vetoed him. I’d be a little worried if I were a FLA fan.
I waited all year for this?
He’s definitely been reasonably criticized for the costlier contracts – and the Nylander thing would likely have been disastrous – but the guy knows how to build. Not perfectly, of course, but he’s generally well respected around the league by players and agents alike, and brings a completely fresh pair of eyes and ears to an organization sorely in need of a shakeup since the days of Iron Mike. Which really rolled into Martin then rolled into Sexton without any solid or significant turnover.
by Donny Rivette on May 17, 2010 3:30 PM EDT up reply actions
And yes, there was QualifyingGate, but I question the timing and motives of those involved. In any case, ScottyB wanted his son in the role of GM, and ultimately got it. Hard to fathom the general manager of a National Hockey League club would literally forget a major date in reference to contracts. If I recall, wasn’t the blame for that debacle kicked down to the mailroom? Whatever; bad things do happen.
by Donny Rivette on May 17, 2010 3:34 PM EDT up reply actions
As a Hawk fan as well as a Panther fan, I followed Dale closely. The day that Bowman Sr. was hired was almost a guarantee that Tallon would be moved around. The contract situation and the salary cap issue was unfortunate, but like Donny said, he knows how to build and can pull oiff a trade.
Everyone has made mistakes in this position no doubt. Dale has learned from them. He needed to make a splash in Chicago and almost everything he did has worked. While signing Campbell was a bit pricy, and getting Huet also at a high number, it changed the complete makeup of the Hawks. He has drafted extremely well and made some very good trades.
Chicago will have some cap issues before next season. Don’t be surprised to see a Hawk or two in a Panther uniform next year. And guess what? They’ll be ready to play!
by The Rat Trick on May 17, 2010 3:44 PM EDT up reply actions
Tuna Time?
2009 NY Phin PhansFantasy League Champion
2009 Best Regular Season Record in NYPPL.
2010 The Jim Mandich NewsFlash Award Winner.
""It only ends once. Everything that comes before is just progress"
This was an unexpected move
Typical of the Panthers to pull something like this when I’m on vacation and don’t have time to keep up with what’s going on (I did get to see the Flyers slaughter the Habs in Philly on Sunday, though, which was fun).
I like this move. A lot. Tallon’s made some mistakes, but who hasn’t? He’s experienced at putting together a good team, post-lockout. He’s not afraid to make bold moves, which this team desperately needs. And he’s a fresh voice, which is also desperately needed. He doesn’t really have a history with these players, so I would expect to see some major moves. I have a feeling that Siegel and Viner weren’t too happy with the late season inaction after posting that open letter about how big changes were coming.
Or maybe they planned to get rid of Sexton all along.
In any case, I like this move and am eagerly anticipating the draft now. I may even consider renewing my season tickets.
Florida Panthers: Giving the league a punching bag since 2000.
good things to come in FL
being in chicago, and a hawks fan for the last 20 years or so.. i wish him nothing but the best. He turned the organization around.. and quickly. Not all of his moves were golden – but you also have to be realistic and realize the he had good intentions of bringing in stars like Campbell and Huet… in the end – they have to perform. You cant really blame the guy who brought them in to succeed. Hes only trying to build a winner. Also, the highers up had a big part in bringing in new players, and from what ive heard…. those decisions dont always bold well with everybody.
Dale knows what hes doing, he will try his best to make this team a winner again. Good luck Dale ! Florida will be a great team again, and soon.
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