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The Lightning has hired an assistant who is not Pascal Vincent

Originally posted on Dose.ca | Last updated Jun 6, 2025 1:43 PM ET

In recent days, Pascal Vincent’s future at Laval has been in doubt.

Rumor has it that the main player is headed for the NHL as an assistant. Unless, of course, the Stars want to make him their team’s pilot?

Vincent has said publicly that he’s happy in Laval, not looking for a job and comfortable in the head coaching position. He is, however, open to returning to the NHL if the right opportunity presents itself. #Of course

But the fact remains that Vincent’s name is out there. Could the Penguins, Rangers, Islanders, Lightning or any other club give him an assistant position? Very possibly.

That’s why, when we saw that the Lightning had named Dan Hinote as Jon Cooper’s assistant, we reacted.

We’ve hired Stanley Cup Champion and former NHL forward Dan Hinote as an assistant coach!

Welcome to Tampa

: https://t.co/s5qmo71 vUA pic.twitter.com/7P3hjX8yCY

– Tampa Bay Lightning (@TBLightning) June 6, 2025

After all, the Lightning rumors were credible, given that Julien BriseBois is known to hold Vincent in high esteem. But obviously, unless something else changes, it’s not going to happen.

Jeff Halpern and Rob Zettler will be back behind the Lightning bench alongside Jon Cooper (their names still appear on the club’s website, anyway) and Dan Hinote replaces Jeff Blashill, who took over the coaching job in Chicago last month.

By the way, speaking of Cooper, we should note this.

I’m not the biggest fan of “official words” from managers or coaches, since they often have no choice but to say certain things publicly…

But we should note that Cooper, recently, spoke publicly. And he decided to address the rumours that he’ll be leaving soon to take on another challenge. #Mammoth?

Publicly, he said he never wants to leave Tampa Bay.

Jon Cooper: “Contrary to rumors and whatever is going on out there, I’m never leaving you guys.” #GoBolts https://t.co/qoiwBkG9pT

– Diandra Loux (@Diandra_loux) June 5, 2025

As I’ve said before, I’ll believe it when I see it, which is when he signs a contract extension so he’s not free as a bird in just over a year.

But since Jon Cooper said what he said and hired an assistant for 2025-2026, you have to think that there’s water in the “Pascal Vincent in Florida” project right now. #Timing

overtime

– Another name to keep in mind.

Roger McQueen:

-“There’s definitely a chance Montreal will try their luck on me at this rank (16th). I’ve talked to them here and this year. Playing there would be incredible, especially considering everything I’ve seen in the playoffs.”

-Could see himself playing with Caufield and Slafkovsky.

-Ryan Getzlaf..

– Anthony Martineau (@Antho_Martineau) June 6, 2025

– Speaking of the Islanders.

Among head coaches in New York: a surprising “distinction” for Patrick Royhttps://t.co/QhZfoUP0wL

– TVA Sports (@TVASports) June 6, 2025

– News from CF Montreal.

The #CFMTL is currently changing the turf at Stade Saputo.

Everything will be ready for the next home match on June 25.

Please note that there will be NO installation of a winterization system at the Stade pic.twitter.com/WaLaHMmRst

– Maxime Truman (@MaximeTruman) June 6, 2025

Giacomo Vrioni joined the group. He wasn’t necessarily injured. #CFMTL

He needed a few stitches after Saturday’s game. His foot was swollen and we wanted to avoid the wound reopening.

He should be back at his post on June 25… pic.twitter.com/Qg4Ii8r8sI

– Maxime Truman (@MaximeTruman) June 6, 2025