The longest-tenured coach in the NHL is adding another trophy to the mantle.
Tampa Bay Lightning bench boss and Prince George product Jon Cooper was announced as this year’s recipient of the Jack Adams Trophy today (Wednesday).
He beat out Lindy Ruff (Buffalo Sabres) and Dan Muse of the Pittsburgh Penguins.
This is Cooper’s third time being nominated for the NHL’s Coach of the Year honour.
"Arguably the best coach in hockey."
Now with the trophy to prove it 🏆 pic.twitter.com/8ns4BXacxV
— Tampa Bay Lightning (@TBLightning) June 3, 2026
Cooper led the Lightning to a ninth straight playoff appearance with a 50-26-6 record for 106 points, finishing second in the Atlantic Division and tied for fifth in the NHL.
Tampa claimed back to back Stanley Cup’s under the 58-year-old’s guidance in 2020 and 2021.
He has served as the Lightning’s head coach since being hired midway through the 2012-13 season.
Surprise, Coop!!
We had Weston, Lexie, Cece and Remi do the honors at today’s ribbon cutting for the @TGHCares Coop’s Catch for Kids Family Lounge 🙌 https://t.co/CBj8wntrKd pic.twitter.com/ixXLl2YYAW
— Tampa Bay Lightning (@TBLightning) June 3, 2026
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