Dale Tallon is anything but a forgotten man in Florida.
Promoted to the role of president of hockey operations after a successful stint as general manager of the Florida Panthers, Tallon is embracing the new role while also retaining the privilege of final say, he told 560 WQAM Radio on Thursday.
"(The new role) allows me to focus on what I do best - and that's evaluate and travel and scout and give us information on players that will help us win a championship and keep us as a top team for the next 15 years," said Tallon.
"I think we're in great shape, as far as that's concerned. But this will free me up to do what I do best, and that's to go scout and find players for the organization."
Tallon further debunked the notion that his voice has been minimized upon the promotion of Tim Rowe from assistant GM to Tallon's former job, reiterating he still has final say amid a collaborative decision-making process.
"I have a lot to say. I'm a stubborn guy. I have opinions. I have strong opinions. I let them know where I stand. I let them know how I feel, and that's the way it is," he said.
"Bottom line is what's best for the team, doesn't matter whose voice it is - as long as we all agree that it's best for the Panthers in the long term, we're all agreeing to do what's right. We agree what's best. We disagree. But we agree to disagree, and it's been a real good process."
The Panthers were asked for permission by the Las Vegas franchise to speak with Tallon about their now-filled GM job, but he was never formally approached.
For now, he's working on unfinished business with the Panthers, with a view to bringing the Stanley Cup to South Florida.
- With h/t to Chris Nichols of Today's Slapshot
