The Tampa Bay Lightning, after missing the playoffs for the third straight year, has decided to part ways with head coach Rick Tocchet and general manager Brian Lawton.
Lightning Owner Jeff Vinik said in a statement, “Our hockey operations department needs a fresh start in order to help us fulfill our goal of being a world-class organization. I’d like to thank both Brian and Rick for their dedication and service to the Lightning. Our search for a Chief Executive Officer is well underway and we are in the process of interviewing candidates. After the new CEO is hired, he will hire our new General Manager in time to prepare for the draft and free agency periods.”
The Lightning have a talented team, with young goal scorer Steven Stamkos being one of them. The team will look to build a new through the draft this year and is in desperate need of a goalie. Rumors have also come about of moving star Vincent Lecavalier. Lecavalier does have a no movement clause that would prohibit him to be traded anywhere that he does not consent to. Expect the Montreal Canadiens rumors to surface in the off-season.
I’m excited to see what Tampa Bay does this offseason. I doubt Lecavalier will go anywhere, but I think a coaching change will help the Bolts out. They’ll also have some room under the cap to bring in some depth players and maybe even a decent starting goalie like Turco or Price or one of the eight goalies signed to the Islanders. They also need to give the “C” to someone besides Lecavalier. He plays better when he isn’t captain.