While Tampa Bay has several players that are set to become free agents this coming summer, head coach Jon Cooper is also in that situation. However, that doesn’t appear to be the case for too much longer. Speaking with reporters including Joe Smith of The Athletic (subscription required), GM Julien BriseBois indicated that he “fully intends” on having Cooper beyond the rest of the season. Sportsnet’s Chris Johnston adds (video link) that there has been some progress made on getting a contract extension done.
Cooper took over the Lightning in March of 2013 as he replaced Guy Boucher and while the team struggled under him for the rest of that season, they have fared quite well since then. In the five full seasons that he has been on the job, they’ve reached the Eastern Conference Final three times, winning once back in 2014-15. Since he has been on the job, Cooper’s overall record is 275-150-42 and Tampa Bay appears to be well on their way to another postseason appearance as they currently sit first overall in the standings.
During his discussion, BriseBois noted that the key here will be his compensation. There is a wide range in coaching salaries, one that has grown considerably larger in recent years with the increase in pay in recent years. However, given the success the team is currently having and their willingness to spend on their roster, it’s difficult to see a salary discrepancy causing too much of an issue here. Assuming they can agree on the financial side, it appears as if the Lightning will be keeping their current bench boss for the foreseeable future.