When it comes to potential turnover on the University of Denver men’s hockey team, most of the conversation revolves around the nine seniors (including captain Will Butcher) or on the high-flying underclassmen that are NHL prospects (i.e. Henrik Borgström and Troy Terry). In truth, they may be in danger of losing someone just as important and perhaps harder to replace.

Pioneers head coach Jim Montgomery won the Spencer Penrose Award this season, as college hockey’s top coach. He also won a national championship. Now, his name has emerged in relation to some of the NHL vacancies.

The Los Angeles Kings are rumored to have talked to Montgomery. The Florida Panthers will soon.

“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. “The date hasn’t yet been confirmed.”

In his four years behind the bench, Montgomery has guided the Pioneers to a 102-39-18 record. The 47-year-old has four years remaining on his contract, which does contain an NHL “out” clause.