Florida Panthers hire Jack Capuano as associate coach

Jack Capuano, former head coach of the New York Islanders, joined the Florida Panthers on Friday as associate coach on Bob Boughner's new staff.

Capuano, 50, spent over a decade in the New York Islanders' organization serving as head coach (2010-17) and assistant coach (2005-06).

"I am thrilled to welcome Jack to our coaching staff," Boughner, who was named the Panthers' head coach on June 12, said in a statement. "He is a knowledgeable and experienced voice to have behind our bench that will work well with our young players."

As head coach of the Islanders, Capuano owned a 227-192-64 record and made three playoff appearances including the club's 2013 postseason berth, their first since the 2007 playoffs. His 227 victories are second on the Islanders' all-time list behind Hall of Fame coach Al Arbour.

"I am extremely excited to join the Florida Panthers organization," Capuano said. "My familiarity with the Panthers has grown a lot throughout the past few years and I'm eager to work with such a young, talented group of players."

Prior to joining the Islanders behind the bench, Capuano served as head coach of the Islanders' American Hockey League affiliate, the Bridgeport Sound Tigers (2007-10), and served as assistant coach (2006-07). In 1995, he started his coaching career in Tallahassee with the Tiger Sharks of the ECHL.

The native of Cranston, R.I., and former defenseman appeared in six NHL games for the Boston Bruins (1991-92), Vancouver Canucks (1990-91) and Toronto Maple Leafs (1989-90). Throughout his professional career, he also played in 170 AHL games.

"He's a knowledgeable and experienced voice to have behind our bench that will work well with our young players," Panthers general manager Dale Tallon said.