SUNRISE, FL—After serving two seasons as the San Jose Sharks’ assistant coach, Bob Boughner, 46, was appointed the new head coach of the Florida Panthers on Monday, June 12.

Panthers GM Dale Tallon told reporters that Boughner’s “preparation, passion, knowledge and dedication” stood out to team officials. Tallon shared that Boughner is enthusiastic about working with young players (a statement with which the Sharks’ head coach DeBoer has expressed an agreement) and takes a “modern” perspective on the game.

Boughner will become the Panthers’ 15th coach in the team’s 24-year history and the fifth to be hired since 2011. He is also the fifth coach to be hired in the NHL since the regular season concluded.

A former NHL defenseman, Boughner commenced his professional career with the Detroit Red Wings in 1991 and ended with the Colorado Avalanche in 2006. With only one previous experience as a head coach of the OHL’s Windsor Spitfires, he reportedly expressed that he is ready to serve as a head coach in the NHL after a 3-year career in the league.

Both DeBoer and Sharks GM Doug Wilson spoke about Boughner:

“I want to congratulate Bob as he takes this next step in an already distinguished coaching career, and thank him for the contributions he made to our team and many of our individual players. While we hate to lose him, it’s the ultimate compliment to an organization when members of your team are sought out by others,” said DeBoer.

“We are extremely happy for Bob and his family. This is a terrific opportunity for Bob to become a head coach in the National Hockey League and one that he deserves,” Wilson shared. The team will “immediately” be scouting a new assistant,” Wilson added.