Fansided

Vegas Golden Knights name Gerard Gallant first head coach

By Dave Stevenson

Mar 3, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Florida Panthers head coach Gerard Gallant on his bench in the first period against the Colorado Avalanche at the Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 3, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Florida Panthers head coach Gerard Gallant on his bench in the first period against the Colorado Avalanche at the Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /
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Gerard Gallant will go down in history as the first head coach of the Vegas Golden Knights. 

The Vegas Golden Knights will be in the NHL starting in the 2017-18 NHL season. While their fans must wait until the expansion draft in June to figure out which players they’ll be cheering, their team is slowly starting to come together. Most of their front office has been assembled and now they have a head coach. Gerard Gallant, formerly of the Florida Panthers, will be the first coach in franchise history.

"“We are proud to announce Gerard as the first head coach in Vegas Golden Knights history,” said general manager George McPhee, via NHL.com.“Being named the first head coach in Vegas Golden Knights history is such a tremendous opportunity and one I am extremely grateful for,” added Gallant. “There is a great deal of excitement in the hockey community regarding what is happening with the Golden Knights and I am glad to now be a part of the team.”"

Gallant last coached for the Florida Panthers. He led them to the Atlantic Division title during the 2015-16 season. However, conflicts and struggles with the front office led to his departure in November. Gallant goes against McPhee’s usual strategy with coaches. During his tenure as the Washington Capitals general manager, he hired no head coaches with previous NHL experience.

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Next up for the Golden Knights will be filling out their roster. They’ve already begun signing college free agents. Vegas already knows what their AHL situation will be (they’ll share an affiliate with another team). It should be interesting to see how Vegas handles the expansion draft. They’ll be under pressure to win over a new fanbase, but knowing Gallant’s background, he’s perfect for the job.

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