The search for an assistant general manager to work with Panthers GM and coach Jacques Martin drew interest from one candidate on Wednesday while losing another.

NHL Senior Vice President of Hockey Operations Mike Murphy, who served as an assistant coach for Martin in Ottawa, said he "would definitely have an interest" in the position.

"Jacques created an excellent situation in Ottawa, and I know that, given time, he'll do the same in Florida," Murphy said from NHL offices in Toronto.

Martin wants his new hire to have experience as an NHL general manager. Murphy has been a head coach in both Los Angeles and Toronto, but has no managerial experience. According to sources, however, the two remain close.

A second possible candidate, former Ottawa GM Marshall Johnston, was ruled out of the running by his current boss, Carolina GM Jim Rutherford. Johnston is in his second season as the Hurricanes' director of professional scouting.

"We certainly wouldn't hold good people back, but Marshall has been here a good bit now and we have a good relationship," Rutherford said. "Based on the conversations we've had, I don't think he's interested in moving."