In Tampa Bay, he inherits a promising team with a mixture of experienced stars the likes of Vincent Lecavalier and Martin St. Louis, and high-end young talent like Steven Stamkos, Steve Downie and Victor Hedman. The Lightning have failed to make the playoffs for the past 3 seasons; a streak Stevie Y. hopes to immediately break.
Tampa Bay Lightning owner, Jeff Vinik fired head coach Rick Tocchet and GM Brian Lawton at the conclusion of the season after the Lightning improved to playoff contention, but fizzled out down the strech to fail again. Vinik has promised to leave all hockey decisions to Yzerman, including the hiring of their new head coach.
Stevie Y. has been with the Red Wings organization for 27 years and his presence will be sorely missed. Current GM Ken Holland and Assistant GM, Jim Nill are likely to be given long-term contracts in the near future, which I'm sure weighed in on Yzerman's decision to pursue an outside opportunity.
It's a reality Red Wings fans always hoped wouldn't eventuate but ultimately knew would. Stevie is gone from Detroit. I, for one, wish him every success in Tampa Bay and I think he'll do very well with the club. With new ownership, I think it's not a bad place to be and I think he'll do very well there. Personally, he's been my hero for the longest time and I now have a genuine favorite team in the East.
Congratulations Stevie Y. Best wishes. But most all... thank you.
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