Jacques Lemaire says thanks but no thanks to Lightning

The Lightning's flirtation with Jacques Lemaire has come to an end, and apparently on good terms. Tampa Bay wanted to hire the former Wild coach as a senior consultant. But Lemaire said on Monday he has told Lightning GM Brian Lawton he has another offer that has gained his interest and which he is pursuing.

"Brian showed a lot of interest and I was pleased about that," Lemaire said. "He told me he really wanted me to be part of the organization. He was very patient."

Lemaire, 63, who lives in Palmetto, stepped down as Wild coach after the season. He would not say with what team to which he was talking, but the New York Times reported he might be hired, perhaps as an assistant, by the Canadiens, the team with which he won eight Stanley Cups as a player.

Lemaire said he likely would give Lawton a call to see if the Lightning position was still available if the other situation fell through, but as it stands now, Lemaire said, "I don't think Brian thinks I'm going to be there."

Comments

[leo]

Jeez, 2way, c'mon.
I don't think me saying stank-butt, go-nowhere expansion team would've sounded so "insulting" to you if you knew me to be a TB fan first and foremost imagining Lemaire's decision.
I also don't think it's anything but the truth!
Ok, to be fair, instead of saying "stank-butt", I coulda said "very, very bad".
Would you be less insulted then?
P.

[2WayCenter]

Your quote was not removed from context despite the omission. Your inference is clear from the horses mouth.

[leo]

That's because you only saw the end of the sentence.
Not the radical presentation of a coach's decision that the sentence had constructed in it's opening.
And conveniently omit to recognize.
P.

[2WayCenter]

Ah, my apologies Leo. I took "go-nowhere, stank-butt expansion team" as something closer to a right cross. But just horse play.

[leo]

There was no insult, 2Way, only a convenient method of allowing you to get on a high horse.
Just my regular craftiness, which I would've thought you'd be used to by now.
I don't know what I said before the Boston series but it MUST have been pure silliness because I had them wiping us out in 4.
Just because I talk silly doesn't mean there ain't a point underneath and lo!, you saw it.
Once you got past your susceptibility of course.
Remember: Ce n'est qu'un jeu, 2Way; it is only a game. Jabs here and there but never demeaning.
P.

[RealBoltsFans.com]

U R Correct Herb, Then move to Palmeghetto Olin...

[Rick]

With Sutter leaving the NJD does Jacques take the coaching job at NJ?

[2WayCenter]

....but between the insults, you make good point about getting coach. Welcome back!

[2WayCenter]

Ah, leo is back to hurl more spears a the expansion team infidels. Been a while there brother. What happened to your beautiful team and the way it was "supposed" to be against Boston?

Seriously, I would think you would have plenty to do to help save the Habs on their board. Why waste your time insulting us go no-wheres?

[olin]

...I'm from sarasota and I don't call it that, I call it palmetto

[leo]

Not to be mean, but I very much doubt that Lemaire said "Thanks but no thanks."
He just said "No thanks."
Same as any other experienced coach would say.
Do like Atlanter and Florider and give a SUPER AHL coach a shot, one who would RELISH the opportunity to coach in the NHL and wouldn't mind being on a go-nowhere, stank-butt expansion team if it meant he could acquire MORE experience, implement a COMPETENT system, and one day turn this franchise around.
Cuz you AIN'T gonna get Bowman. Only "experienced" coaches you'll attract is guys like Melrose.
How'd THAT work out?
Get an AHL coach. Just because they're under the radar doesn't mean they're no good.
P.

[Don in St. Pete]

If you saw the style of hockey they played in Minny, you won't be shedding any tears. Nice guy, a winner, but boring defensive hockey, just like he specialized in as a player. He'll fit in better with the Pansies or the sHabs anyway.

[2WayCenter]

Ouch, a kick in the teeth? They must have had some positive signals from Lemaire before leaking to the press.

[Boltflasher]

Never thought he'd end up here anyways...so nothing lost...

[Herb]

Being from Sarasota, we here call Palmetto.....Palmeghetto.

[HockeyBay.com]

Good Riddence Lemaire, 63, who lives in Palmetto, THAT EXPLAINS EVERYTHING Palmetto is a DUMP full of illegal aliens, what a Loser...

[PD]

Quelle surprise!
(how's that Marc?).

[boltcc]

Can't blame him..He wants work for Montreal so he can coach Lecavalier!

[skp]

"Succesful and Reputable Hockey Man Wants No Part of Lightning" - shocker!

for all his credentials, it probably would've only made things worse, really - doesn't seem like anybody is interested in relinquishing decision making duties, so 4 heads probably would've been worse than 3.

[F.T.B.S.]

Can't hardly blame Jacques. Bonne chance.

Hey Lawton, while wading through the minefield of your new profession, take off the @#$% snowshoes!