Hornqvist will now start his post-playing career with Panthers team he helped transform into winner
It didn't take long for Patric Hornqvist to find his way back into the NHL.
The 15-year veteran of the best hockey league in the world was forced into early retirement earlier this year after suffering multiple concussions while playing for the Florida Panthers last season.
For Hornqvist, the head injuries weren't the first ones he'd suffered during his extensive career, so he made the decision to do what was best for the health and wellbeing of himself and his family.
But those who know and played with Hornqvist were well aware that the man who eats, sleeps and breathes hockey wouldn't be away from the game for long.
In fact, he never really left.
After suffering his second concussion of the season during an early December road game in Seattle, Hornqvist remained with the Panthers every single day.
He was on the ice with the team, wearing a yellow (or gold, if you ask Paul Maurice) non-contact jersey, working like a player-coach.
Maurice raved about Hornqvist during the season and the way he skated and pushed Florida's injured players while they worked their way back into the lineup.
'Coach Horny' became a common nickname, though Hornqvist himself did not care for the moniker.
Now it appears Hornqvist's post-playing career has officially begun.
On Wednesday the Panthers announced several changes to the team's hockey operations staff, and among the moves was naming Hornqvist a scouting and development consultant.
According to a source, the plan is for Hornqvist to do some scouting, some developing, spend time with his family and learn through experience what works best with him, his family and the organization.
Hornqvist, who was spotted with team management during the Southeast Rookie Showcase in Estero over the weekend, has seemingly already begun in his new role.
In addition to the hiring of Hornqvist, the Panthers also promoted analytics guru Sunny Mehta to Assistant General Manager and Head of Analytics.
Gregory Campbell, who had been serving as the Panthers Vice President of Player Personnel and Development, as well as General Manager of Florida's AHL affiliate, the Charlotte Checkers, has been promoted to Assistant General Manager as well.
There has been no update from the Panthers w
Also promoted was Paul Krepelka. After serving as Assistant General Manager for the past three seasons, he will now act as Senior Vice President of Hockey Operations.
Veteran scout Joakim Hedlund, who had been with Florida for the past six seasons, was promoted to Director of European Scouting.