Pierre Groulx Let Go by Team

The Panthers chose not to renew their contract with goalie coach Pierre Groulx today, apparently opting to set their sights on a part-time coach.

Coach Pete DeBoer claims this was his decision, as the Red Wings only have a part-time guy and they can't find a way to justify having Groulx work full time. So, is money a motivation? Probably doesn't help.

Could add some fuel to the fire that Al Strachan claims will see the proposed SPAC sale fall through, though. If Cohen has to keep the team, he might only want a "part-time guy" so that he doesn't have to pay as much.

But, what seems more realistic is that DeBoer simply made this decision since he didn't have enough work to justify keeping Groulx on board full time. He said that he had never worked with a full-time goalie coach. Groulx had a contract when DeBoer climbed aboard and only Charron was let go. Groulx coached out his contract and it appears that's all this will be. No harm, no foul. Now, DeBoer can find a good "consultant" that he's interested in, so this move could be good for the team down the road.

And hey, Montreal's looking for a goalie coach. Maybe Groulx will team up with Martin again.

Andy O'Brien, the strength and conditioning coach has left the team as well. Apparently leaving on his own to accept a position outside the NHL.