Adam Oates officially signed as Lightning assistant coach

A long gestation has come to an end.

With rumors starting at the cusp of summer, Adam Oates name has been lingering around the Lightning for a while.  As training camp opened, Oates was present with the Lightning as a favor for buddy Rick Tocchet. 

But now?  Now Oates is officially part of the staff of the Bolts, inking a one year deal with the club.  From the team's official Twitter account

"We are pleased to announce the hiring of Oates," said (General Manager Brian) Lawton. "Adam will help improve our special teams and add additional experience."

Oates official capacity with the team is coaching the power play -- or at least that was the favor asked of him by Tocchet and Lightning GM Brian Lawton. Oates, as it was discussed, was also supposed to be willing to work with the Norfolk Admirals regarding their Power Play unit as well. 

This may be great news for a team that had a 17.78 power play percentage last season -- well under the league average of 18.95%.