The Florida Panthers announced that head coach Paul Maurice reached a historic milestone Monday, coaching his 2,000th NHL game in the team’s 5-4 shootout victory over the Seattle Kraken.
Maurice became just the second head coach in NHL history to reach 2,000 games. Scotty Bowman remains the only other coach to hit the milestone, finishing with 2,141 total games.
At his current pace, Maurice is projected to surpass Bowman’s record during the 2027-28 season.
“I don’t feel like 2,000 is the end of it for me,” Maurice said postgame, according to team reporter Jameson Olive. “It wasn’t hang out until a number. … We like our group. We like what we’ve built. I love coming to the rink, and I love working here. I love living in Florida, and I love these guys.”
An all-time milestone for an all-time coach pic.twitter.com/qxirzxcRGR
— Florida Panthers (@FlaPanthers) March 24, 2026
Rick Bowness holds the NHL record for most games coached overall. The Columbus Blue Jackets bench boss has worked 2,751 contests as a head coach, assistant, or associate coach.
Maurice began his NHL coaching career in 1995 with the Hartford Whalers at age 28.
The 59-year-old from Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, has also coached the Toronto Maple Leafs, Carolina Hurricanes, and Winnipeg Jets throughout his career.
Maurice won his first Stanley Cup with Florida in 2024 during his 26th season. The Panthers repeated as champions in 2025.
His all-time coaching record stands at 951-799-151 with 99 ties. Maurice ranks third in NHL history for coaching wins behind Bowman (1,244) and Anaheim Ducks head coach Joel Quenneville (1,008).
