The Lightning have hired former Bolt JP Cote as the team's director of player development, reporting directly to assistant general manager Stacy Roest. Cote will work specifically with individual players in the Tampa Bay system on all aspects of the game, both on and off the ice. He will also help plan and run the team's prospect and development camps during the offseason. Cote will follow Lightning prospects and keep track of their progress with their collegiate, junior and minor league teams. The Quebec native skated in 27 career NHL games, including 19 with Tampa Bay during the 2013-14 season, posting four assists and 26 penalty minutes. Cote served as a pro and amateur scout for the San Jose Sharks last season.
The Lightning also hired Mike Ellis as the new director of skill development, working mostly with both Lightning and Syracuse Crunch players. Ellis previously worked for the Toronto Maple Leafs as a skill development consultant.
Darryl Plandowski has been promoted to assistant director of amateur scouting and will continue to work closely with assistant general manager and director of amateur scouting, Al Murray. Plandowski is set to begin his 12th season with the Lightning organization and will continue to aid in managing the team's amateur scouting staff and help with draft preparation and execution. Brad Whelen was promoted by the Lightning as the assistant director of amateur scouting and will work closely with Murray and Plandowski preparing for the NHL Draft.
John Rosso was promoted to assistant director of player personnel, reporting directly to assistant general manager and director of player personnel Jamie Pushor. Jared Waimon will serve as the Lightning's goaltending scout, leaving Quinnipiac University, where he served as goaltending coach.
Tampa Bay also hired Grant Armstrong as an amateur scout; Josh Dye as an amateur scout; and Stephen Gionta as a pro scout.
Promotions
New Hires
- Grant Armstrong | Amateur Scout
- JP Cote | Director of Player Development
- Josh Dye | Amateur Scout
- Mike Ellis | Director of Skill Development
- Stephen Gionta | Professional Scout
- Jared Waimon | Goaltending Scout
