Panthers G.M. Martin Gets Extension Through 2011-12 Season

Sunrise, FL. (AHN) - The Florida Panthers may not have liked the job Jacques Martin did behind the bench this past season, but they apparently see his value in the team's front office.

Martin, recently fired as the team's coach, nevertheless received a contract extension as the team's general manager on Friday and will serve in that position at least through the 2011-12 season.

Martin is excited about the work he has ahead, which includes a probable deal with the team's minor league affiliate in New York and the signing and resigning of several players.

''There's no shortage of work ahead,'' Martin told the Miami Herald. "The next six weeks are very big for myself, our staff and this organization.''

At the top of Martin's list is replacing himself behind the bench, with recently fired coaches Ron Wilson (San Jose), Paul Maurice (Toronto), Joel Quenneville (Colorado), along with solid former coaches Pat Quinn (Toronto) and Pat Burns (New Jersey) as apparent candidates.

''There are a lot of choices,'' said Martin, whose team is competing with half a dozen other NHL franchises currently searching for a new coach. "We have to find the person who fits our needs and is the perfect match for our organization.''