CH-Panthers trade last season: surprise statement from head coach Paul Maurice
In an article by the excellent journalist Jean-François Chaumont, we find a real little gem.
As you obviously know, a year ago, Florida Panthers general manager Bill Zito traded his 2023 first round pick to the Montreal Canadiens in the Ben Chiarot trade (an unprotected 1st round pick)
In a very interesting interview, the head coach of the Florida team, Paul Maurice, made a very surprising statement.
The one who has the heavy task of absolutely bringing his team back in the race for the NHL playoffs - to avoid the catastrophe of giving a lottery pick to the Montreal Canadiens - said the following when asked if he feels more pressure because of the Ben Chiarot deal in 2022:
"A first-round pick is still great for an organization, but also the fans. There are young prospects who can change the face of a team quickly. But they are rare. Often you have to wait four years to get results with a first-round pick. So coaches don't put too much energy into it. In a city like Montreal, you'll be able to pull scouting reports for the top 15 picks in the next draft."
- Paul Maurice
A quote reported by journalist Chaumont.
Excuse me? Paul Maurice didn't know that his team had traded his first pick to the CH? It seems almost impossible, but let's just say it's a statement that took many by surprise.
For the details:
Was he acting? You be the judge.
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