Florida Panthers head coach Gerard Gallant was named as a finalist for the Jack Adams Award on Thursday.
The award is given each season to the coach who "contributed the most to his team's success." It is the National Hockey League's version of the Coach of the Year award, and is a highly coveted honor.
Gallant's competition for the award includes Lindy Ruff of the Dallas Stars and Barry Trotz of the Washington Capitals. While Washington and Dallas both finished with more points than Florida, Gallant has a decent chance of winning the award. Florida outdid expectations more than the other two clubs, which often weighs heavily in these awards.
The Panthers had a franchise record 103 wins and 47 wins in the 2015-16 season. The players on the ice are a big reason for it, but Gallant's coaching can't simply be overlooked. The coach kept a consistent demeanor and was instrumental in helping his team achieve their goal of a return to the playoffs.
This was Gallant's second season as Florida's head coach and the team has been competitive in both of the campaigns. Gallant served as head coach of the Atlantic Division team in this year's All-Star Game as well.
The award that Gallant is going for is named after Jack Adams who is the only person to win a Stanley Cup as a player, coach and general manager.
The Jack Adams Award will be presented as part of the NHL Awards on June 22.
