Report: Panthers granted permission to interview Quenneville

The Florida Panthers are moving quickly in their quest to replace Bob Boughner behind the bench and have reportedly received permission from the Chicago Blackhawks to speak to Joel Quenneville about the vacancy, a source told ESN's Greg Wyshynski.

The Panthers have offered Quenneville a multi-year deal worth more than $6 million per season with bonuses, Wyshynski added. Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Mike Babcock is the league's highest-paid coach at around $6.25 million annually.

The Panthers fired Boughner on Sunday after two seasons without making the playoffs, while Quenneville was let go in November after 11 seasons with the Blackhawks. He has one season remaining on his contract with Chicago at $6 million.

Quenneville has a long relationship with Panthers general manager Dale Tallon, winning the Stanley Cup together with the Blackhawks in 2010. Tallon joined the Panthers' front office that same year, while Quenneville went on to win two more championships in Chicago.

In a statement, Tallon said the Panthers want a "transformative, experienced head coach with Stanley Cup pedigree," to right the ship in Florida.

Quenneville is by far the most experienced coach available on the open market with 22 years behind an NHL bench. He also ranks second all-time with 890 wins.