For the second straight offseason, coach Jon Cooper has made a change on his staff.
Assistant Steve Thomas will not be returning next season, his contract not renewed by the club. Thomas, a former long-time NHL forward, had been on Cooper's staff since the 2013-14 season, and with the organization since 2010, when he served as a player development coordinator (2010-2012).
Thomas worked with the forwards on Cooper's staff. It's unclear if Tampa Bay will pursue a replacement. The Lightning didn't renew George Gwozdecky's contract after last season. Brad Lauer was hired in his place.