Predators hire Todd Richards from Lightning as assistant coach

Todd Richards during his time with the Blue Jackets. (Lynne Sladky/AP)

The Nashville Predators have hired Todd Richards as an assistant coach, the club announced Friday.

Richards joins John Hynes' staff having just claimed the Stanley Cup as an assistant coach with the Tampa Bay Lightning. He spent four years in Tampa Bay, preceded by stints as head coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets and Minnesota Wild, as well as a role on the San Jose Sharks' bench.

"We are extremely pleased to be able to bring in Todd and his expansive coaching background to our staff," Predators GM David Poile said via a team release.

"He not only has an experienced resume, but a winning one as well, and further added to it this past season by winning the Stanley Cup with Tampa Bay. He began his rise through the professional ranks in our organization with the Milwaukee Admirals, and we are happy to have him back with us to complete John Hynes's coaching staff."

The veteran coach will join the Predators organization for the second time, having begun his coaching career as an assistant for the club's AHL affiliate in Milwaukee.

During his first run with the organization, he helped the AHL squad claim the 2004 Calder Cup and played a role in the development of longtime Predators like Pekka Rinne, Shea Weber and Dan Hamhuis.

"We are incredibly excited to add Todd to our coaching staff," coach Hynes said via a release. "He brings a wealth of experience and leadership to our staff and players. His work ethic, teaching ability and communication skills — as well as his experience in winning the Stanley Cup — will be a tremendous benefit to our team moving forward."

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