Good Or Bad? Yzerman Steps Down As Lightning General Manager

TAMPA, FL – Tampa Bay Lightning Twitter and Facebook feeds went into overdrive following Tuesday’s press conference announcing that Steve Yzerman will step down as general manager.

The announcement came as a surprise to even the most ardent Lightning followers as Yzerman explained he wants to spend more time with his wife and three daughters. He said he will stay on as senior adviser to newly named GM Julien BriseBois, Yzerman’s one-time assistant general manager.

"To do the job the way it needs to be done and to be with my family as well, it's becoming difficult to do," Yzerman, 53, said. "Hence the decision. I will be wherever I'm needed to be for Julien moving forward. At the direction of (owner) Jeff Vinik, this organization has been committed to excellence and it will remain so under Julien's guidance."

Some fans speculated that “spending more time with his family” is simply a euphemism for staying in Tampa until his contract expires next year and then hightailing it back to Detroit and his beloved Red Wings.

Others wonder if Yzerman is a casualty of Lightning owner Jeff Vinik’s quest to reclaim the Stanley Cup.

Whatever the reason, Yzerman devotees point out that, after becoming general manager in 2010, Yzerman guided the Lightning to three Eastern Conference finals and then to the Stanley Cup final last year. That’s nothing to sniff at.

“Thanks for everything, Yzerman,” posted Jason Horvath. “You built a team back from the ashes.”

“I’m gonna miss Stevie Y when he eventually decides to leave,” said Tim North. “Best GM in hockey the last eight years.”

“Sad day,” said Anthony Maulorico. “Been extremely nice to have the stability he has provided but you’ve got to wish him the best. He was the perfect man for the job over the last eight years and is leaving us an organization near the top.”

Mike Rotunda said the management shuffle hasn’t dimmed his optimism for the team’s prospects this year.

“There was a personnel change today, but it shouldn't affect the day-to-day operations of the franchise," said Rotunda. "Like Brisebois said after this press conference, it is back to business as usual, at least for this season. And the goal remains the same. …He says he will provide every resource he can to maintaining the world-class status that this franchise has reached. We are going to be just fine.”

Image via Tampa Bay Lightning

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