Sunrise - Jacques Martin has a busy six weeks ahead of him, but at least the Panthers' general manager will have one less thing to worry about.
The Panthers announced Friday that they've secured Martin as general manager through the 2011-12 season. Financial terms were not disclosed. Martin, who had dual duties as general manager and coach the past two seasons, said the contract was finalized a few days ago.
"It's great to be able to continue to work," Martin said in a phone interview Friday. "There's no shortage of work ahead."
Martin said he has compiled his list of potential coaching candidates and might make a hire sooner than he has previously said he would. The timeline "hasn't changed, but it doesn't necessarily mean it has to be July," Martin said.