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Vegas has talked to Gallant; Capuano next?

Gerard Gallant

Florida Panthers head coach Gerard Gallant asks the referee to review the game winning goal in overtime by Pittsburgh Penguins’ Evgeni Malkin during an NHL hockey game in Pittsburgh, Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2015. The goal was allowed, and the Penguins won in overtime 3-2. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

AP

The Golden Knights have said they’re looking for a veteran, NHL-experienced head coach, and could have one hired by the end of this season.

So no surprise to learn the club recently reached out to candidates possessing said qualities.

Per the Review-Journal, Vegas has already spoken with former Florida bench boss Gerard Gallant, adding it “had talked with or were preparing to talk with [former Isles head coach Jack] Capuano.”

Newsday initially reported that Capuano was in talks to meet with Vegas brass.

Owner Bill Foley wouldn’t confirm the report, but did acknowledge he’s familiar with Cappy.

“I like him,” Foley said. “I think he’s a real quality family guy. He’s a quality coach who the players like to play for and a quality person.

“Gerard Gallant is the same way.”

Though it’s unclear if the organization has reached out to another recently-unemployed coach -- longtime Boston bench boss Claude Julien -- GM George McPhee did say Julien’s availability might play into what direction Vegas takes with the search.

“It could certainly change the timing, sure,” McPhee told Sirius XM Radio. “These are real quality people and real quality coaches. So yeah, things could change, of course.”

Ken Hitchcock’s name will also likely be tied to the Vegas job, but no reports have connected the two sides yet.