Wednesday Caterwaul: Florida Panthers Offseason Open Forum

The Arizona Coyotes have named Rick Tocchet as the team’s new head coach, replacing Dave Tippett who coached the Desert Dogs for the last eight seasons.

Tocchet had been an assistant coach with the Pittsburgh Penguins, His departure opened up a spot of Mike Sullivan’s staff which was filled by Mark Recchi.

CapFriendly report three new signings on Tuesday. Center Scott Laughton re-upped with the Philadelphia Flyers, signing a two-year, one-way deal. Former Tampa Bay Lightning goaltending prospect Kristers Gudlevskis signed a one-year, two-way contract with the New York Islanders. Defenseman Patrick Sieloff remained with the Ottawa Senators organization, inking a one-year, two-way deal.

The American Hockey League released its 2017-18 schedule yesterday. Florida Panthers affiliate, the Springfield Thunderbirds will open on the road against the Providence Bruins on October 6. After taking on the Bruins again in Providence on the 13th, the Thunderbirds will play its home-opener against the Hartford Wolf Pack on Saturday, October 14 at MassMutual Center.