Tampa Bay Lightning head coach Jon Cooper quieted rumors about his future, with the two-time Stanley Cup winner saying Friday that he can't envision himself leading another team. He told reporters not to believe the chatter about possibilities he won't be back,

Lightning coach Jon Cooper will return next season, general manager Julien BriseBois said Friday, shutting down speculation that they might part ways after an early playoff exit.

The Tampa Bay Lightning lost to the Florida Panthers in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. It is the third consecutive year the Bolts have been eliminated in the first round. That led to speculation that the Lightning could part ways with coach John Cooper,