Mar 19, 2016; Sunrise, FL, USA; Florida Panthers head coach Gerard Gallant reacts in the third period of a game against the Detroit Red Wings at BB&T Center. The Red Wings won 5-3. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports

1. Gerard Gallant

Who else at number one but the first guy the Isles will interview?

Gerard Gallant’s firing earlier this season was criticized widely within NHL circles, especially so since the Florida Panthers just posted a record season last year. Panthers players felt guilty themselves, speaking nothing but praise for their former head coach.

Gallant’s Panthers won a franchise high 47 games in 2015-16, good for a 103-point regular season and their second-ever Atlantic Division title.

Despite being ousted in the playoffs by the Islanders in six games, many considered the Panthers to have been the better team in the series and that they were only bested by spirited performances from Thomas Greiss and John Tavares.

According to Arthur Staple, the Gallant conference was already developing before Capuano was fired:

It’s hard to image a circumstance where the Islanders would not at least discuss the coaching position with Gallant in light of Capuano’s firing.

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Grew up a diehard Islanders and Mets fan based out of Northern New Jersey. Concluding my Broadcast Communications degree at William Paterson University. WP Sportsdesk member, Stan Fischler correspondent, music buff and total Star Wars freak. Follow my social media handles to learn more. Matt Di Giacomo is a Staff Writer for the Islanders on Elite Sports NY. He encourages team discussion. Tweet him @mdigiacESNY and check out his reviews on YouTube.