Jon Cooper is the NHL’s top coach for 2025-26.
The Tampa Bay Lightning bench boss was announced as the recipient of the Jack Adams Award on Wednesday.
Cooper, 58, was surprised with the honour during a visit to Tampa Bay General Hospital where he was in the Coop’s Catch for Kids Cancer Lounge.
A native of Prince George, BC, Cooper edged out finalists Dan Muse of the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Buffalo Sabres’ Lindy Ruff.
This was Cooper’s third time as a finalist and first victory. He led the Lightning to a 50-26-6 mark, good for second place in the Atlantic. In 14 seasons with the team, Cooper has a record of 622-339-89. His 622 wins are 22nd all-time and seventh-most among active coaches.
Cooper has guided the Lightning to 12 postseason appearances in his 14 years and led them to Stanley Cup triumphs in 2020 and 2021.
Cooper initially joined the Bolts’ organization in 2010 and led the American Hockey League’s Norfolk Admirals to a Calder Cup in 2012.
Internationally, Cooper was the head coach of Team Canada at both the 2025 4 Nations Face-Off and the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics.
