TAMPA BAY – The Tampa Bay Lightning today announced that associate coach Rick Bowness has been relieved of his duties and the team has mutually agreed to part ways with assistant coach Brad Lauer, according to vice president and general manager Steve Yzerman.

“Jon Cooper and I, along with the entire organization, would like to thank Rick and Brad for their service to the Lightning,” Yzerman said. “Rick has served a significant role on our coaching staff since 2013, while Brad has been a part of two teams that reached the Eastern Conference Final. We appreciate all their knowledge and effort.”

Bowness joined the Lightning as associate coach on June 3, 2013. He oversaw the defensive unit, as well as the penalty kill. Bowness coached in his 2,000th NHL game on February 7, 2015. Prior to joining the Lightning, he spent seven seasons with the Vancouver Canucks, serving as associate coach.

Lauer has served as an assistant coach with the Lightning since August of 2015, focusing on all facets of the game. Before joining Tampa Bay he spent four seasons with the Anaheim Ducks.