Report: Lightning to request permission to speak with Dineen about Head Coaching job

Well, if secrecy was Jeff Vinik's thing during his GM search, Steve Yzerman's track while searching for a new head coach appears to be somewhat different:

The Columbus Dispatch reports today:

Three independent NHL sources have told The Dispatch that Tampa Bay GM Steve Yzerman will request permission from Buffalo to interview Dineen within the next few days, that he has a keen interest in the former Blue Jackets player and development coach. Dineen, who has declined comment throughout the month-long search, has not returned phone messages left from The Dispatch in recent days.

This comes through Columbus because it's another market trying to fill a vacant head coaching role and Dineen has interviewed there for the job.

This is likely only the beginning.  Yzerman has said hiring a coach by July 1st and Unrestricted Free Agency is the target.