The Tampa Bay Lightning are set to resume play post-Olympic break without their head coach, Jon Cooper, who is taking a personal leave following the passing of his father. Cooper recently returned from Milan, Italy, where he led Team Canada to a Silver medal in the Winter Olympics.
In a thrilling championship showdown reminiscent of the 2025 4-Nations Face-Off, Team USA edged out Canada in overtime, thanks to a clutch goal from New Jersey Devils star Jack Hughes. Just days earlier, Team USA's women's team also claimed Gold against Canada in a dramatic sudden-death finish.
Cooper didn't hold back his thoughts on the Olympic’s new 3v3 overtime format, expressing concerns that it strays too far from traditional hockey. This change, implemented this season by the IIHF, deviates from the previous 4v4 setup, while the NHL’s 4-Nation Face-Off sticks with a 5v5 format.
Despite the loss, Cooper’s leadership was pivotal in Canada’s medal journey. His ability to manage a team is well-documented, with the Lightning making the playoffs in 11 of the last 12 seasons, securing back-to-back Stanley Cups in 2020 and 2021, and reaching the Finals in 2015 and 2022. Currently leading the Atlantic Division, Tampa Bay looks poised to extend their playoff streak.
In Cooper’s absence, assistant coach Jeff Halpern is a likely candidate to step up. Halpern previously filled in during a brief leave in the 2021 COVID season, making him a strong option for temporary head coach duties. The Lightning have yet to officially announce their interim plan.