It didn't take long for the Lightning to make a change to his coaching staff.
One day after announcing assistant Steve Thomas won't be returning, Tampa Bay has hired former Blue Jackets coach Todd Richards to serve on coach Jon Cooper's staff.
Richards, 49, has extensive head coaching experience, having coached the Minnesota Wild (2009-11) and Columbus (2011-15) before being replaced by former Lightning coach John Tortorella.
Richards said he spoke with a couple other NHL teams, but is really excited about joining the Lightning, which have reached back-to-back Eastern Conference Finals.
"All you have to do is sit back and watch what they've done the last two years, in particular the Stanley Cup Final and conference finals," Richards said in a phone interview.