Florida’s Versteeg latest locked-out NHLer to take coaching gig

Panthers forward Kris Versteeg has joined the growing list of locked-out NHLers moving behind the bench.

Versteeg, 26, has reportedly agreed to join the staff at the University of Lethbridge (Alberta) and will make his coaching debut this weekend.

A Lethbridge native, Versteeg will serve as a temporary replacement for ex-Pronghorns assistant Jeff Truitt, who has been hired by Brent Sutter to become an associate coach with WHL Red Deer.

As mentioned earlier, a number of locked out players have decided to try their hand at coaching:

– Columbus’ RJ Umberger is doing volunteer work at his alma mater, Ohio State. (link)

– Colorado’s Ryan O’Byrne joined the staff of the BCHL’s Victoria Grizzlies. (link)

– Toronto’s John-Michael Liles is behind the bench at Culver Academy in Indiana. (link)

In a similar vein, veteran goalie Dwayne Roloson was reportedly offered the goaile coaching gig in Toronto, but turned it down to continue his playing career.