J.P. Cote was hired as the Lightning’s director of player development on August 1, 2019. Cote works specifically with individual players in the Tampa Bay system on all aspects of the game, both on and off the ice. Cote also helps plan and run the team’s prospect and development camps during the offseason and keeps track of Lightning prospects’ progress with their collegiate, junior and minor league teams. 

The Quebec native skated in 27 career NHL games, including 19 with Tampa Bay during the 2013-14 season, posting four assists and 26 penalty minutes. He played three seasons for the Crunch from 2012 to 2015, totaling 181 games; he helped the Crunch earn their first berth in the Calder Cup Finals in 2013. Cote served as a pro and amateur scout for the San Jose Sharks in 2018-19.