As first reported by TSN's Bob McKenzie, the Tampa Bay Lightning will not be renewing the contract of assistant coach Steve Thomas, who has been with the organization since 2010. Thomas started out as player development coordinator from 2010-12, moved up to player development coach for the 2012-13 season before being promoted to assistant coach by current head coach Jon Cooper.
This is the second consecutive off-season in which the Lightning have let go of one of their assistant coaches. Last year George Gwozdecky was not brought back after spending two seasons on Cooper's staff. A former head coach who won multiple NCAA championships while at Denver, Gwozdecky returned to Colorado last season to coach high school.
Thomas has already been in touch with other teams seeking a new job, according to Pierre LeBrun.
During his three seasons as an assistant coach with the Lightning, Thomas served on the bench alongside Cooper and associate coach Rick Bowness during games. Thomas was also responsible for some advance scouting of opponents.
Tampa Bay added former Anaheim assistant coach Brad Lauer to replace Gwozdecky last season.