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

Florida Panthers v Dallas Stars

DALLAS, TX - NOVEMBER 15: Kris Versteeg #32 of the Florida Panthers at American Airlines Center on November 15, 2011 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

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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.