Panthers to interview University of Denver coach

University of Denver coach Jim Montgomery will be among the candidates to interview for the head coaching job with the Florida Panthers.

"I have spoken to Florida and I will meet with Florida over the next week to 10 days," Montgomery told Mike Chambers of The Denver Post.

Tom Rowe coached the Panthers last season but has since moved into an advisory role with the organization. The shakeup also saw Dale Tallon re-appointed as general manager.

Rowe replaced former bench boss Gerald Gallant in November, posting a 24-26-10 record as interim coach. The Panthers missed the postseason by 14 points.

Montgomery, 47, has coached Denver the last four seasons, winning the Frozen Four earlier this month. A former NHL center, Montgomery last skated in 2002-03 with the Dallas Stars.

"In life there are only so many opportunities and you have to listen. But it's going to have to take the perfect situation for me to leave Denver," Montgomery added. "There is no indication from Florida that I'm their No. 1 guy - or No. 2 or No. 3 guy. I'm just going to sit and talk with them."

Panthers prospect Henrik Borgstrom, who the club selected 23rd overall in last year's draft, is already familiar with Montgomery, having played under him this year at Denver. Borgstrom finished the season with 43 points in 37 games.

Montgomery wouldn't be the only bench boss to make the jump from the collegiate ranks in recent seasons. Philadelphia Flyers coach Dave Hakstoll was head coach at the University of North Dakota for more than a decade before accepting Philadelphia's top job in 2015.