TSN.ca Staff

9/12/2006 6:45:30 PM

Mike Keenan and the Florida Panthers have found a way to part peacefully, although it took several days for the two sides to get to this point. 

''I am pleased to report that I have resolved all outstanding issues with the Florida Panthers relating to my employment and my departure on an amicable basis,'' Keenan told TSN.

The two sides have agreed on a settlement that satisfies the balance of his recently terminated contract.

Shortly after TSN.ca reported Keenan's demise as a ''firing,'' the Panthers issued a release announcing Keenan instead had resigned as general manager and had been replaced by Jacques Martin.

Keenan has remained silent in an effort to protect the process invested in the negotiation, until now.  And, while he doesn't intend to divulge the details that may have led to this surprise move just days before the start of training camp, sources close to Keenan remain steadfast, ''he did not resign.''   

Although fired a number of times over the course of his career, including twice in Florida, it's uncertain where, or how the Panthers originally came up with the concept of cloaking his termination as a ''resignation.''  However, in the end Keenan's priority is to return to the National Hockey League, either as a general manager, or potentially, as a head coach. 

So, he leaves the organization sensitive to that, and committed to taking the high road in this dispute.

'' I would particularly like to thank Alan Cohen and the Panthers for giving me not only one but two opportunities to work for their organization.  Most importantly, Alan Cohen and I remain good friends and I want to wish him and the Panthers all the best in the future''.