Panthers hire Gerard Gallant as coach

SUNRISE, Fla. (AP) Gerard Gallant is the new coach of the Florida Panthers.

The team made the announcement Saturday. Gallant spent parts of three seasons as coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets from 2003 through 2007 and has been an assistant coach with the Montreal Canadiens for the past two years.

He also coached the Saint John Sea Dogs of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, where his top player was Jonathan Huberdeau, who now plays for the Panthers and is considered one of the franchise's keys to rebuilding.

Gallant will be formally introduced by the Panthers on Monday. He will become Florida's eighth coach in a span of 11 seasons.