Cooper Remains Committed to Tampa Bay, Future Secure

Jon Cooper, the Tampa Bay Lightning’s long-standing head coach, has firmly dismissed recent speculations surrounding his potential departure from the organization. Addressing reporters on Friday, Cooper, a two-time Stanley Cup champion with the Lightning, made it clear that he envisions his future solely with the team, effectively quashing rumors of him taking his talents elsewhere.

Cooper emphasized that the only voices that truly matter regarding his future are those of himself, General Manager Julien BriseBois, and the team’s ownership. He urged the media and fans alike to disregard unsubstantiated chatter and instead focus on official statements from these key figures.

"The talk should be whatever comes from Julien and I or ownership," Cooper stated, leaving no room for misinterpretation. His deep-rooted connection to the Tampa Bay community further solidified his commitment. "Tampa has been home for my kids, it’s all they really remember. For me, it’s hard to see myself anywhere else," he added, highlighting the personal significance of his position within the Lightning organization.

Julien BriseBois, in a display of unwavering support, echoed Cooper’s sentiments, confirming that the coach would be back behind the bench next season. "Coop will be back next year," BriseBois declared, putting any lingering doubts to rest.

Cooper’s current contract is believed to extend through the upcoming season, and BriseBois expressed his desire to secure Cooper’s services for the long term through a contract extension. This move would not only ensure stability within the team but also recognize Cooper’s invaluable contributions to the Lightning’s success over the past decade.

Since taking the helm in March 2013, Cooper has transformed the Lightning into a perennial contender. His impressive regular-season record of 572-306-83 (.638) speaks volumes about his coaching prowess. Under his leadership, the team has consistently demonstrated a winning mentality and a commitment to excellence.

Beyond the regular season, Cooper has guided the Lightning to remarkable postseason achievements. The team has qualified for the playoffs an impressive 11 times under his guidance, boasting a solid 88-67 record (.568) in the playoffs. The pinnacle of his success came in 2020 and 2021, when he led the Lightning to back-to-back Stanley Cup championships, etching his name in hockey history.

Cooper’s longevity with the Lightning is a testament to his ability to adapt and evolve in the ever-changing landscape of the NHL. He currently holds the distinction of being the league’s longest-tenured coach, a remarkable feat in a profession known for its high turnover rate.

Despite the team’s recent first-round exit from this season’s playoffs at the hands of the Florida Panthers, both Cooper and BriseBois remain optimistic about the Lightning’s future. They recognize the need to address certain areas of improvement but maintain confidence in the team’s core group of players and the overall direction of the organization.

Howard’s Future Lies Elsewhere

In other news, BriseBois also addressed the situation surrounding prospect Isaac Howard, indicating that it is "unlikely" the Lightning will sign the young forward. Howard, selected No. 31 overall in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft, recently captured the prestigious Hobey Baker Award as the best NCAA men’s player in Division I while playing for Michigan State University.

Howard’s impressive performance at the collegiate level has undoubtedly garnered attention from other NHL teams. However, comments he made on the "Spittin’ Chiclets" podcast last month suggested that his future may lie outside of Tampa Bay.

"I just feel like with me and Tampa, we didn’t see eye to eye the same way I thought we would," Howard stated on the podcast, hinting at a potential disconnect between himself and the Lightning organization. He clarified that his reservations were not about demanding immediate NHL playing time but rather about a fundamental difference in vision. "It wasn’t a situation where I was demanding to step right into the NHL, it wasn’t anything like that. It just didn’t necessarily work," he explained.

If Howard does not sign with the Lightning by next year, he will become a free agent, allowing him to choose the team he believes best aligns with his career aspirations. BriseBois acknowledged Howard’s right to explore his options and find the most suitable fit.

"He values the opportunity to choose the club that he believes is the best fit for him," BriseBois said, respecting Howard’s agency in making such a crucial decision.

While the Lightning may miss out on Howard’s potential, their focus remains on building a competitive team through various avenues, including the development of other prospects and strategic acquisitions in free agency and trades. The organization remains committed to maintaining its status as a top contender in the NHL, driven by the leadership of Jon Cooper and the vision of Julien BriseBois. The core of the team, featuring stars like Nikita Kucherov, Andrei Vasilevskiy, and Brayden Point, remains intact, providing a solid foundation for future success. The Lightning’s commitment to winning remains as strong as ever.