Tampa Bay Lightning are sticking with Jon Cooper as their coach for years to come. The team announced on Tuesday that they have signed Cooper to a multiyear extension.
Copper, whose contract was set to expire after this season, joined Lightning in 2013 and is the coach with most wins (302) in franchise’s history. He is also the coach with longest tenure in NHL.
“His ability to forge impactful relationships with everyone from players to staff has been a trademark of his tenure with the organization and he is the absolute best coach for our hockey team,” – said Lightning’s general manager Julien BriseBois in a statement. “Coop’s ability to develop a strong culture while continually adapting has been a big part of the team’s success. He has helped set high standards for our organization with his unrelenting drive for excellence.”
Tampa’s decision to give Jon Cooper an extension comes after the team clinched Presidents’ Trophy for having the league’s best record. Lightning only needed 73 games for this feat which is fewest since 1995-96 Detroit Red Wings.
During his six years in Tampa Bay, Cooper managed to lead the team to four playoff appearances which included Stanley Cup Finals in 2014-15 and two Conference Finals. His managerial record is 302-157-44.
