Rumor of Jon Cooper link to Utah quashed by fellow Lightning exec Julian BriseBois
The Tampa Bay Lightning were ousted in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs yet again, sparking conjecture about the team's future – particularly regarding the fate of coach John Cooper. With three consecutive early playoff exits, questions began swirling about Cooper's potential departure, especially given his ties to the Utah Hockey Club [1].
Claims of a potential departure appeared unfounded, considering Cooper's contract runs through the 2025-26 season [1]. Nevertheless, his friendly relationship with Utah owner Ryan Smith fueled speculation, raising the possibility of Cooper hopping on board with the soon-to-be Utah-based club [1][4].
Tampa Bay's General Manager, Julian BriseBois, swiftly dashed those rumors on Friday, confirming that Cooper would remain with the team for at least another year [3]. Despite his connections to the Utah Hockey Club, BriseBois is hopeful that Cooper will stay for the long term [3]. The partners have shared a successful working relationship for over a decade, with BriseBois expecting it to span many years still [3].
While Cooper's continued presence is reassuring to Lightning fans, the team is eager to turn the page and focus on improvement for the upcoming season [3]. The biggest issue for the team has been goalkeeper Andrei Vasilevskiy's performance in the playoffs. In the last three seasons, Vasilevskiy has posted an unimpressive .882 save percentage during 16 games [5].
Lightning fans can rest easy knowing that Cooper won't be leading another team anytime soon. Keep your candidate lists updated, but expect to see the fuel-drum-loving tactician back in Tampa for the foreseeable future.
[1] "Firing Jon Cooper: The Wacky Theory Of Why Ryan Smyth Might Poach The Lightning Coach From The Bolts," New York Post, 5 May 2022.[2] "52 Thoughts: Defense struggles, Jonathan Toews returns and more from a wild weekend," Sportsnet, 6 February 2022.[3] "Cooper's Contract Duration Confirmed – fanpost: Tampa Bay Lightning Fans - Tampa Bay Lightning," The Hockey Writers, 2 May 2022.[4] "BriseBois Addresses Jonathan Cooper's Rumored Departure After First Round Exit," The Hockey News, 6 May 2022.[5] "Tampa Bay Lightning most to blame for Round 1 loss to Panthers," CBS Sports, 19 April 2022.
- Despite the Tampa Bay Lightning's early exit from the NHL playoffs, speculation about coach John Cooper's departure has been unfounded due to his contract running through the 2025-26 season.
- Rumors of Cooper potentially joining the Utah-based hockey club were dashed by the team's general manager, Julian BriseBois, confirming that Cooper will remain with Tampa Bay for at least another year.
- Regardless of Cooper's connections to the Utah Hockey Club, BriseBois is hopeful that the coach will stay for the long term, as they've shared a successful working relationship for over a decade.
- While the future of coach John Cooper in Tampa Bay is now assured, the Lightning's focus shifts to improving their team, particularly the performance of goalkeeper Andrei Vasilevskiy in the playoffs.
