Robinson eager to get call about coach's job.(South Florida Sun-Sentinel)

Byline: Michael Russo

SUNRISE, Fla. _ Convalescing in New Jersey after undergoing wrist surgery last week, Larry Robinson said Monday he's content if he continues to work with the Devils' youngsters as the team's special assignment coach.

But Robinson, winner of six Stanley Cups as a defenseman with the Montreal Canadiens and three Stanley Cups as a head coach, assistant coach and consultant with the New Jersey Devils, makes it no secret that ever since Mike Keenan was fired as coach Nov. 9, he's kept an eye on the Florida Panthers and their talented crop of youngsters.

However, Robinson has yet to receive a phone call from Rick Dudley, the Panthers' general manager and interim coach, even though Dudley received permission to talk to Robinson from the Devils almost three weeks ago.

``I'm not surprised,'' Robinson, reached on his cell phone, said. ``They're in a battle for a position every day, so there's a lot on (Dudley's) mind and a lot on his plate. I'm sure if the time comes and he still wants to get a hold of me, I'm sure he will.

``Right now, nothing's happening. If he calls and it works out well for him and if it works out well for me and we decide, yeah, I'm definitely interested.''

Dudley said he hasn't contacted ``a certain individual'' (his code phrase for Robinson) because he hasn't had time. The Panthers just completed a stretch of seven games in 11 days. With the schedule slowing down _ the Panthers play three games in a 12-day stretch _ Dudley hopes to devote more time to the process.