Journalist Larry Brooks of the New York Post surprisingly linked Lightning head coach Jon Cooper to the Utah Hockey Club in the latest report.
The Tampa Bay Lightning are on the verge of elimination in the First Round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs against their in-state rivals, the Florida Panthers.
With the team on the verge of a third consecutive early-season postseason out, head coach Jon Cooper may be weighing a major decision, reports suggest.
Cooper, who led the Lightning to back-to-back Stanley Cup titles in 2020 and 2021 and another Final appearance in 2022, has built Tampa Bay into a powerhouse in the NHL.
Recent playoff woes are raising the question about Cooper's future in Tampa
But recent playoff woes have raised questions about the team's future, and the future of Cooper with the team.
There are reports Cooper is leaving Tampa Bay, with The New York Post's Larry Brooks revealing he's in negotiations to become the next Utah Hockey Club head coach.
'Plugged-in individual has told me not to be surprised if he leaves TB to take over the operation in Utah, owned by close friend Ryan Smyth.'- Larry Brooks
The NHL's newest team is preparing for its second season and would like to be a 2025-26 playoff contender. The team will also undergo a name change during the offseason, with 'Utah Mammoth' rumored to be the front-runner for its new moniker.
If employed, Cooper would provide the young franchise with championship experience and global success.
Obviously, he is not likely to comment on the situation publicly until Tampa Bay's season officially ends, a fate that the team and its fans hope to prolong as long as possible.
