The Florida Panthers were not that successful vs. the NHL odds at the sportsbook this past season but that could change now that the Panthers have a new general manager. The team hired Dale Tallon who was responsible for rebuilding the Chicago Blackhawks. The Panthers would love to have the same type of success vs. sportsbook odds that the Blackhawks have had.
Sportsbook stats this past season indicated that the Panthers were below .500 and a last place team in the Southeast Division. Tallon was an advisor with the Blackhawks after being replaced by Stan Bowman last year. “It is with great pleasure and excitement that I join the Florida Panthers,” Tallon told a local radio station. “I’m excited and elated, and I can’t wait to get to work.”
Tallon will take over as GM in place of Randy Sexton who did not have his contract renewed. “On behalf of the entire organization, we are thrilled and honored to open a new chapter in Florida Panthers franchise history with the hiring of Dale Tallon as general manager,” The Florida Panthers said in a statement.
Tallon really did a nice job with Chicago as he drafted Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane, Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook. He also made nice pickups getting Marian Hossa, Patrick Sharp, Kris Versteeg, Brian Campbell and John Madden. Tallon had nothing but good things to say about the Chicago franchise. “They’re such a great team, and I love them all. They’re great kids. Not only great players, but I love them off the ice. They’re like family to me.”
Florida definitely needs some help vs. the sportsbook odds as they were last in the Southeast Division last year. They have not made the playoffs since the 1999-2000 season. They have not won a playoff series since 1996. The Panthers have some definite issues. They need to improve substantially on offense as they were 28th in the league. They were just 19th on defense so that is also a concern. It will not be an overnight project for Tallon. The Panthers have a lot of needs but they should begin to make some improvements under Tallon and it could show up vs. the odds at the sportsbook. The Panthers were just .500 at home last year vs. the NHL odds at the sportsbook and having success at home is critical if the Panthers expect to be improved.