Paul Maurice: The Steady Hand Behind the Panthers' Success
Paul Maurice, now 58, has evolved significantly since his NHL debut with the Hartford Whalers at 28. His journey has taken him through various teams, including stints in Carolina and Toronto, culminating in a decade-long tenure in Winnipeg. Last year, he reached a pinnacle by coaching the Florida Panthers to a Stanley Cup victory, marking him as the 18th coach in NHL history to achieve back-to-back championships after defeating Edmonton in six games.
Despite this achievement, Maurice's core approach remains unchanged. "I don't think he's changed since winning," said Sam Bennett, the playoff leading goal-scorer. "He can be hard on us when he needs to be, and then he's relaxed with us when he knows that we need to." This balance has fostered a deep respect among players for their coach.
What underpins this respect? Maurice attributes it to honesty. "If you walk into the room and you just tell the truth, whether they want to hear it or not, you'll have respect for that," he explained. His commitment to transparency, often laced with humor—though he admits he might be the only one laughing—has resonated within the locker room.
Interestingly, there was a moment when Maurice considered stepping away from coaching after leaving the Jets in 2022. "I had four of the best fishing days of my life in June," he recalled. However, a call from Bill Zito changed everything. "I didn't answer at first, but then I got this really profane text from Tripp Tracy saying, 'Answer your phone.'" That call led him back to coaching and ultimately to Florida's hockey history.
Since taking over, Maurice has guided the Panthers through 11 series victories out of 12. While he may not have been recognized for the Jack Adams Award as coach of the year—an accolade tied to regular-season performance—his playoff success speaks volumes.
"He really has control of this team," Bennett noted. "The team's really just bought into the culture that he's implemented." This culture emphasizes hard work and commitment, which players have embraced wholeheartedly.
A.J. Greer, a newcomer who joined after the 2024 run, described Maurice as a unique blend of motivator and strategist. "He's kind of just a complete package of being able to motivate us and elevate our games mentally," Greer said. His ability to analyze past performances and translate them into actionable insights is invaluable.
Zito praised Maurice's influence on making the Panthers an appealing destination for free agents. "He's a very bright man," Zito stated. "He'll push, he'll pull, he'll harp. But you don't want to disappoint him." This high standard encourages players to strive for excellence.
Players like Bennett and Nate Schmidt have thrived under Maurice's guidance, finding clarity in his expectations. Schmidt remarked on how Maurice tailors his coaching to individual strengths while maintaining high standards. "It's not the easiest system just to jump into," he acknowledged, "but once you settle into how he wants you to play, it takes a lot of the pressure off."
As the Panthers navigate the pressures of defending their title, Maurice finds joy in the journey. "You're allowed to enjoy it a little bit more," he said, reflecting on his name already etched in hockey's prestigious trophy. His playoff win total now stands at 86, tying him with Ken Hitchcock for 13th on the all-time list.
With 2,091 games as an NHL head coach under his belt—second only to legendary Scotty Bowman—Maurice continues to build his legacy. His popularity among players is evident; as Anton Lundell put it, "He's got a lot of things to say. But it's fun to be here, and as a group we like him."
