Report: Panthers close to hiring Canadiens assistant Gerard Gallant

The Florida Panthers are reportedly "close" to hiring Montreal Canadiens assistant coach Gerard Gallant, according to a report from George Richards of the Miami Herald. 

Richards was following up on "rumors" that the Panthers had already hired Gallant, which he disputes. Instead Richards quoted an outside source who told him that, though negotiations between Gallant and the Panthers are apparently progressing, nothing is done yet.

The veteran Miami Herald reporter notes that while the Panthers appear to be leaning in Gallant's direction, ex-Penguins head coach Dan Bylsma still shouldn't be counted out.

Gallant has worked with the Columbus Blue Jackets, New York Islanders and Montreal Canadiens organizations in the past, and spent part of three seasons as the head coach of the Blue Jackets amassing a 56-81-6 record with four ties. 

Gallant also build the CHL equivalent of a dynasty earlier this decade with the Saint John Sea Dogs, whom he led to two consecutive QMJHL championships in 2011 and 2012. The best player on those teams? Panthers forward Jonahtan Huberdeau.