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Who's Next? Here Are The Candidates

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By ERIK ERLENDSSON | The Tampa Tribune

Published: June 4, 2008

Barry Melrose

His name has been linked to the job for weeks, and although denying he is joining the Lightning, the rumors persist. He led the Los Angeles Kings to the Stanley Cup finals in 1993 but missed the playoffs the next two seasons and was fired. He has been ESPN's lead hockey analyst since 1995.

Pat Burns

Has won a Stanley Cup, and with a house in the Sarasota area he has seen as many Lightning games as just about anybody in recent seasons, so he is already familiar with the personnel. He has expressed a desire to return to the ranks after a successful fight against cancer.

Craig Hartsburg

Hasn't coached in the NHL since 2001, but has enjoyed success with Sault Ste. Marie of the Ontario Hockey League. Recently coached Team Canada - and projected No. 1 pick Steven Stamkos - to a gold medal at the World Junior Championships in January.

Ron Wilson

Reports say he has been offered the Toronto job, but he needs time to mull it over. Maybe he wants to check out other options. Wilson ranks in the top 10 in career coaching wins, and his teams garner plenty of regular-season success. But two straight second-round exits with talent-laden San Jose led to his firing.

Andre Savard

The Penguins assistant is off the table until after the Stanley Cup finals, but he has surfaced as a hot commodity. Savard already has been named the potential front-runner for the Florida job.

WHO ELSE MIGHT BE CONSIDERED?

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