Cote will join the Sharks organization as a pro scout, per AHL.com.

EDGE Analysis

The move signifies the end of Cote's playing days after spending the 2017-18 campaign playing in France. The blueliner made two brief stints in the NHL -- eight games with Montreal in 2005-06 and 19 outings with Tampa Bay in 2013-14. In those appearances, the QMJHL product failed to register a goal, but did garner four helpers and 26 PIM.

Jean-Philippe Cote has been assigned to the minors after he passed through waivers. In 19 games with the Lightning this season, he has four assists and 22 penalty minutes.

Jean-Philippe Cote has to clear waivers now to be returned to the minors. The 31-year-old blueliner has appeared in 13 games with the Lightning since being called up from AHL Syracuse. Keith Aulie is believed to be close to returning from injury and when that happens Tampa Bay may have to waive Cote.

Jean-Philippe Cote suited up his first NHL game Thursday night since Feb. 4, 2006. He logged just 9:43 of ice time, but he managed to pick up an assist and two hits. "Definitely, have the butterflies in my stomach for sure," said Cote, who signed an NHL deal with the Lightning on Wednesday. "I've obviously been here before, but it's been a long road in between the last time I was up in the NHL. So, it feels, not unreal, but it's nice to be here."

The Tampa Bay Lightning have signed Jean-Philippe Cote to a two-year, two-way deal. Cote's annual cap hit is $550,000 when he's playing in the NHL. He's projected to play for the Lightning on Thursday. The 31-year-old defenseman has nine points and 35 penalty minutes in 19 AHL games, but hasn't played in the NHL since the 2005-06 campaign.

Jean-Philippe Cote suffered an undisclosed injury during Saturday's contest. The extent of Cote's injury wasn't immediately known. He isn't expected to make the Lightning's opening game roster.