Steve Yzerman has accepted the job of General Manager with the Tampa Bay Lightning organization. The news will be made official with a press conference which will take place later this afternoon. Yzerman takes over the role from Brian Lawton, who was fired in April.
After retiring from a successful playing career in 2006, Yzerman went on to become Vice President of the Detroit Red Wings. He held that position for four seasons, being part of another Stanley Cup Championship in 2008, as well as learning the business from some of the greats, including Red Wings GM Ken Holland and Assistant GM Jim Nill.
Steve added to his tremendous resume in 2009 when he as appointed Executive Director of the Men’s Canadian hockey team for the 2010 Winter Olympics. His player and coaching selection molded one of the most powerful teams in the Olympics, and the eventual Gold Medal winners.
While the Tampa Bay Lightning have continued to struggle since winning the Stanley Cup in 2004, they have several pieces in place to become a contender. Highly skilled veteran forwards Vincent Levavalier and Martin St. Louis are being complemented nicely by the former number one draft pick, and 50 goal scorer, Steve Stamkos. On defense, the Lightning feature young defensive stud Victor Hedman who had a fine rookie season and will be expected to carry an increased load next season.
It will be interesting to watch Yzerman refine the Lightning squad in the coming months and years. One thing is certain though, Yzerman knows how to win. We should expect the winning ways to return to Tampa Bay before too long.
