Lightning interim coach Rick Tocchet and general manager Brian Lawton met on Thursday to talk about what is believed to be Tocchet's new three-year deal, but an official signing did not happen. But Tocchet said the process is moving forward.

"We are very close to getting this done," he said. "It should be done by next week." 

It does not appear the holdup is anything more than finishing the details, and it likely is not about money. Tocchet, as a first-time head coach, would not command a big salary (relatively speaking), anyway.

Lawton has acknowledged the process is moving at a "snail's pace," but on Friday said it definitely is moving forward.

"I like what has transpired in our meetings between Rick and myself," Lawton said. "I have gained a lot of new perspective as we analyze our past season and work towards putting plans in place that will to success on the ice next season."