One day after it was revealed the Lightning were not bringing back assistant coach Steve Thomas, Tampa Bay announced that former Columbus Blue Jackets head coach Todd Richards has been named an assistant coach, joining head coach Jon Cooper's staff.

Richards was relieved of his duties with Columbus last season after the Blue Jackets lost seven consecutive games to start the season, a year in which many ticketed Columbus to contend for a playoff spot.

Richards brings more than 400 games of NHL head coaching experience to a staff that already includes Rick Bowness, who has more than 2,000 games behind the bench during his career. Richards owns a record of 204-183-37 behind the bench, which includes two seasons with Minnesota and parts of five seasons with Columbus.

He also coached Team USA at the 2015 World Championships, leading the Americans to a bronze medal. Richards was also a member of the 2014 U.S. coaching staff at the Olympics, helping Team USA to reach the bronze medal game.

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