As one coach goes, another one comes in and the Tampa Bay Lightning announced that veteran NHL coach, Todd Richards, will serve as an assistant coach alongside Jon Cooper and his staff.
Richards was hired one day after the team announced that former veteran assistant coach, Steve Thomas, would not be returning to the team next season. The 49 year-old Crystal, Minnesota native has more than 400 games of heading coaching experience in the NHL, compiling a 204-183-37 record over that seven year span behind the bench.
Prior to being hired by the Lightning, Richards served as the head coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets for parts of five seasons after getting fired in 2015 following an 0-7-0 start and one playoff appearance during his tenure there.