The Tampa Bay Lightning have filled their vacant assistant coaching position by hiring Dan Hinote, a former NHL forward who won the Stanley Cup with Colorado in 2001. The 48-year-old Leesburg, Florida native will join Jon Cooper's staff, replacing Jeff Blashill who departed last month to become head coach of the Chicago Blackhawks.
Hinote brings extensive coaching experience to Tampa Bay after spending the past season as associate coach with the Colorado Eagles, the AHL affiliate of the Colorado Avalanche. Under his guidance, the Eagles earned a 43-21-5 record, the best mark in the AHL's Western Conference.
The hiring comes as the Lightning seek to return to championship contention after three consecutive first-round playoff exits. The team has prioritized adding championship experience to their coaching ranks as they attempt to recapture their success from the early 2020s.
Prior to his stint with Colorado's AHL affiliate, Hinote served four seasons as an assistant coach with the Nashville Predators from 2020-24. His NHL coaching resume also includes four years as an assistant with the Columbus Blue Jackets from 2010-14. Between his NHL coaching positions, Hinote worked with the United States National Team Development Program, overseeing both U17 and U18 teams. This diverse background has equipped him experience across multiple levels of hockey development.
During his time as a player, Hinote appeared in 503 NHL games during a nine-year career split between the Colorado Avalanche and St. Louis Blues. He recorded 90 points on 38 goals and 52 assists, with his career highlight coming in 2001 when he helped the Avalanche capture the Stanley Cup. During that championship run, he appeared in all 23 postseason games.
The coaching addition represents another move by head coach Cooper and the Lightning front office to adjust their approach after recent playoff disappointments. Cooper has worked with numerous assistants during his 12-year tenure with Tampa Bay, and the organization hopes Hinote's championship pedigree and coaching experience can help guide them back to playoff success.
Hinote's familiarity with both player development and professional coaching should provide valuable insight as the Lightning work to blend veteran leadership with emerging talent. His experience in the AHL will also prove beneficial as the team continues to develop prospects within their organization.