In a new post on X NHL insider David Pagnotta has confirmed that he has been told Tampa Bay Lightning head coach Jon Cooper is signing an extension. According to David Pagnotta, the extension will run through 2025-26.
This contract extension adds one year to Jon Cooper's stay in Tampa Bay as he was already under contract through 2024-25. His extension has been met with mixed reactions after Jon Cooper's recent comments after their loss to the Florida Panthers.
The analogy used by Jon Cooper of putting goalies into skirts has gotten a ton of backlash from fans and rightfully so. To this point Jon Cooper has not made a statement or apologized for his insensitive comments. With such a controversial moment happening in the last week it's insane that the Tampa Bay Lightning chose to make this move now before an apology could be made
Now the next step for the Lightning is looking at team captain and star Steven Stamkos. He is due a contract and could leave in free agency. With the head coach locked up, Steven Stamkos can now become the priority.
As more information becomes available on the future of Jon Cooper or Steven Stamkos in Tampa Bay we will pass that information along to you. For now it seems as though the Lightning are gearing up for another run at the Stanley Cup in 2024-25.
POLL | ||
Will Jon Cooper be the head coach in Tampa Bay at the end of his 2 year contract? | ||
Yes | 332 | 63.2 % |
No he will be fired before the end of it | 193 | 36.8 % |
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