Name – Gerard Gallant
Born – September 2nd, 1963 (53 years old), Summerside, Prince Edward Island, Canada
Nickname – Turk (His brother called him Turkey), Spuddy (Prince Edward Island is known for potatoes), or Sir Gallant (Knight reference)
Playing Career
1980-1981 – Sherbrooke Castors
1982-1983 – St. Jean Beavers
1982-1983 – Verdun Juniors
1983-1985 – Adirondack Red Wings
1984-1993 – Detroit Red Wings
1993-1995 – Tampa Bay Lightning
1994-1995 – Atlanta Knights
1995-1996 – Detroit Vipers
Highlights
- Drafted #107 overall in the 6th round of the 1981 Entry Draft
- NHL All-Star Second Team in 1988–89
- Silver Medalist of Men’s World Ice Hockey Championships in 1989 with Team Canada
- 615 career NHL games, 211 goals, 269 assists
- Elected into QMJHL Hall of Fame in 2014
Coaching Career
1998-1999 – Fort Wayne Komets (Assistant)
1999-2000 – Louisville Panthers (Assistant)
2001-2003 – Columbus Blue Jackets (Assistant)
2003-2007 – Columbus Blue Jackets (Head Coach)
2007-2008 – New York Islanders (Assistant)
2009-2012 – Saint John Sea Dogs (Head Coach)
2012-2014 – Montreal Canadiens (Assistant)
2014-2017 – Florida Panthers (Head Coach)
Highlights
- All Star Game Coach in 2015-16 of Atlantic Division
- Runner up for Jack Adams Award (Coach of the Year) in 2015-16
- Back to back QMJHL League Championship 2011 and 2012
- Memorial Cup Championship in 2011
- Assistant coach of Gold Medal winning Team Canada in 2007 Men’s World Ice Hockey Championships
- 328 career NHL games coached. 152-141-35 overall record
- One playoff appearance in 2015-16
Personal
Daughter Melissa is married to professional hockey player Darryl Boyce, and son Jason played four seasons in the Maritime Junior A Hockey League.
Slack
I agree with the hire. To me, VGK did a good job with the due diligence, waited to see who was available at season’s end, and still got their man before someone else signed him. I’ll bring the potatoes to the news conference! Spuds!
RJ
Totally agree. Gallant was probably the first guy on their list, but they didn’t want to make a rash decision. The fact that they have had months to change their minds and wound up going with Gallant tells me a lot. In Applebee’s we trust!
Alf
Great choice I am now vegas fan will be going to Vegas watch team play seen g. Gallant play inverdun