Florida Panthers head coach Paul Maurice has stirred conversation this playoff season by advocating for a change to the traditional post-series handshake. Maurice believes that coaches should refrain from participating in the handshake line, a custom he respects but thinks diverts attention from the players who fought on the ice.

After leading the Panthers to eliminate the Carolina Hurricanes, Maurice even persuaded Hurricanes coach Rod Brind’Amour to abstain from the handshake, emphasizing that the players' efforts should take center stage. He criticizes the inclusion of numerous non-players in the handshake, calling it a distraction and suggesting that the moment belongs solely to the athletes.