Lightning head coach Jon Cooper isn’t happy that John Tavares passed his team in free agency

The Atlantic Division leading Tampa Bay Lightning are in Toronto to take on the Toronto Maple Leafs this evening for a crucial matchup, but ahead of the game, Lightning head coach Jon Cooper had something he had to get off his chest.

Why John Tavares? Why?

Tavares, of course, passed on a contract offer from the Lightning in free agency in favour of signing with his hometown Leafs. Surely, we all remember…

Despite missing out on Tavares though, Cooper doesn’t hold any ill will toward the Leafs superstar, going so far as to say he’s happy for him.

Check out this quote that TSN reporter Kristen Shilton managed to get from Cooper prior to tonight’s game:

Good on you Coop for taking the high road. Now… when Brayden Point’s contract is up and he decides to come the Leafs will you still be so cordial?