The Tampa Bay Lightning have made a change to their coaching staff, but the move is not sitting well with the head coach. The team announced on Wednesday that assistant coach Wes Walz had been relieved of his duties, and sources say Rick Tocchet does not like the move.
Erik Erlendsson has reported via Twitter that the decision to fire Walz was made by general manager Brian Lawton and that Tocchet was not consulted on the change.
According to a team media release, Walz was given the opportunity to join Tampa Bay's American Hockey League affiliate, the Norfolk Admirals, but declined.
"We'd like to thank Wes for his dedication to the Lightning organization," said Lawton in the release. "We wish him the best of luck moving forward in his future endeavors and are extremely thankful for his time with the club."
Reports indicate Jim Johnson will take Walz's place on Tocchet's staff.
