Cup Champion Panthers CEO Walks Away From Hockey for New Job in the NBA

Originally posted on House of Hockey | By Tom Banks | Last updated Aug 27, 2025 3:47 PM ET

Matt Caldwell has been the Florida Panthers CEO since 2016, but now he's officially left the reigning Champions for a role with the NBA's Minnesota Timberwolves.

Over the past three years, there have been few teams in North America to achieve the success level of the Florida Panthers, with the team making three straight trips to the Stanley Cup Finals, winning back-to-back in 2024 and 2025.

That success starts at the top of the organization and trickles down, with many seeing GM Bill Zito and Head Coach Paul Maurice as the best in the National Hockey League at their positions.

Caldwell Departs Panthers Front Office Weeks After Stanley Cup Triumph

However, the Panthers have now seen a major change above those two, with CEO Matt Caldwell now officially departing the team following a shock revelation on Wednesday.

After serving in the role as President & CEO since 2016, Caldwell has officially taken the same role with the NBA's Minnesota Timberwolves and the WNBA's Minnesota Lynx, effective immediately.

Florida Faces Leadership Void as Caldwell, Hollweg, and Thornton Exit

This news comes in the wake of COO Bryce Hollweg and CRO Shawn Thornton both departing, but given the success of the Panthers, they shouldn't have too many issues finding capable, respected people to replace them.

This mass exodus is going to lead to many changes for the organization this upcoming season, but with Zito firm in his role as General Manager, there is still some stability in the Panthers front office.

Only time will tell whether or not this is going to effect the Panthers as they pursue their third straight Stanley Cup this season, but given the impact that Caldwell had on the organization, it's safe to say that he's going to be missed.

This article first appeared on House of Hockey and was syndicated with permission.

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