Pierre-Edouard Bellemare has joined the Tampa Bay Lightning as a player development specialist. The 41-year-old retired forward will work under JP Cote with a focus on developing forward prospects, including time with staff and players at Syracuse, the Lightning’s American Hockey League affiliate.
Career Highlights and Contributions
Bellemare closed his playing career after 10 NHL seasons. He entered the League as an undrafted rookie with the Philadelphia Flyers in 2014-15 and went on to play 700 NHL games — the most by a player born and trained in France — with the Flyers, Vegas Golden Knights, Colorado Avalanche, Lightning, and Seattle Kraken.
Born in Le Blanc-Mesnil, France, he ranks second all time in NHL points among French players with 138 (64 goals, 74 assists), trailing only Antoine Roussel, who recorded 197 points in 607 games. Bellemare reached the Stanley Cup Final twice, with Vegas in 2018 and Tampa Bay in 2022. He appeared in 85 postseason games and produced 15 points (five goals, 10 assists).
He announced his retirement on June 18 after playing 37 games last season with HC Ajoie in Switzerland. He also captained France at the 2026 Winter Olympics, where he scored once and averaged 18:24 of ice time over four games.
Bellemare previously played for Tampa Bay from 2021 to 2023, totaling 33 points (13 goals, 20 assists) in 153 games. He said he is proud to return to the organization, views the role as a new way to keep learning the game, and credited his late mother for shaping the resilience and attitude that helped extend his career and lead him into player development.
This new chapter in Bellemare’s career not only highlights his commitment to the sport but also underscores the Lightning’s dedication to nurturing young talent. With his extensive experience and unique perspective, Bellemare is set to make a significant impact on the team’s future forwards.