Dec 23 2011; Denver, CO, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning head coach Guy Boucher (center) talks to his team as assistant coach Dan Lacroix (left) assistant coach Martin Raymond (right) listen during the first period of the game against the Colorado Avalanche at the Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

With a new (head) coach,” Lightning Vice President and General Manager Steve Yzerman said of Jon Cooper, “we’re trying to find the right fit as far as skills and experience.” ~ via Damien Cristodero at the Tampa Bay Times

Dan Lacroix joined the Lightning in the summer of 2010, along with former Lightning Head Coach Guy Boucher. Lacroix was responsible for the defense and the penalty kill.

The Lightning have left the door open for Lacroix to remain with the organization in some other capacity; however, at the same time, he is free to explore other coaching opportunities.

At the present time, there have been no final decisions made regarding the status of Assistant Steve Thomas or Goaltending Coach Frantz Jean. Both Thomas and Jean have contracts that are due to expire at the end of June.

Currently, Yzerman has said that it is his intention to bring back Goaltending Coach Frantz Jean.

Lacroix’s replacement will weigh heavily on how the design of the new coaching staff will play out.

There are a lot of rumors floating around the internet as to who Dan Lacroix’s replacement will be. Only time will tell which one of those rumors will turn out to be fact. One thing is for sure. With Jon Cooper being a “rookie” coach in the NHL, you can count on Yzerman looking for an Assistant Coach with a wealth of experience in the NHL.

We’re contemplating a lot of things,” Yzerman said, “and what is the best fit.” ~ via Damien Cristodero at the Tampa Bay Times

It will be interesting to see how this situation plays out of the course of the off season. So many things hang in the balance, all hinging off of one single decision. If the new Assistant Coach has a wealth of experience in the game, then the team may elect to stay with a two assistant format; however, in the same respect, if the new Assistant has significantly less experience, we may see the team expand to a three assistant format.

With only a little over 3 months left until training camps should start, one can only assume that we will start to see these changes play out rather soon.

Who do you think would be a viable decision to step into Lacroix’s position? Do you think the other coaches will remain intact, or will they be free to explore other opportunities as well? Should the other coaches remain intact? So many questions need answers. Sound off in the comments below and let us know what you think those answers should be.

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February 14, 2013; Tampa FL, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning left wing Cory Conacher (89) skates with the puck against the Washington Capitals during the first period at Tampa Times Forum. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

This move comes totally out of left field.

Cory Conacher is poised to be the rookie of the year this year. In the 35 games that the young forward has played for the Lightning this season, he netted 9 goals and 15 assists for a total of 24 points.

He is currently one point shy of Florida Panthers rookie Jonathan Huberdeau for first place among rookies.

I still can’t quite wrap my head around this. I completely understand the simple fact that you have to give something to get something, but is it really necessary to trade away one of the most valuable players that our recently reenergized team has?

The Tampa Bay Lightning has played the proverbial “Musical Chairs” with goalies over the last few years; from Mike Smith and Dwayne Roloson, to Mathieu Garon, Anders Lindback, and even Dustin Tokarski and Cedrick Desjardins. I am starting to wonder if our goaltending issue is not with the goalie itself, but with the goalie coach.

However, that is another story for another day.

I can assure you that Conacher will surely be missed by the Bolts Nation. As I said before, the charismatic, young rookie is setting himself up to be a real contender for Rookie of the Year this year. If given the opportunity to mature and blossom, I am certain that he will be a 50-goal scoring machine the likes of Steven Stamkos in no time at all.

We here at Bolts By The Bay wish Cory all the luck, wherever he may end up. Whether it be with Ottawa or with another NHL team, Conacher will always have a spot in the hearts of Lightning fans around the world.

What are your thought and opinions on today’s trade? Do you think the ends were worth the means, or do you think we gave away too much? Sound off in the comments below and let us know what you think.

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