Lightning ink coach Jon Cooper to three-year extension
The NHL’s longest-tenured coach was heading into the final season of his current contract.
TAMPA — Jon Cooper said he never was concerned about his future with the Lightning. The last time his contract was up for renewal, he didn’t sign an extension until late in the final year of the deal.
This time the Lightning didn’t keep him waiting. Cooper said the champagne practically still was on ice from the team’s second straight Stanley Cup celebration in July when he was approached about remaining in Tampa Bay beyond 2021-22.
On Monday, the eve of the season opener, the Lightning announced a three-year extension for Cooper that runs through 2024-25.
