Two days short of NHL training camps opening, the Tampa Bay Lightning will enter the season with a new general manager.
The Lightning announced that Steve Yzerman stepped down from his post on Tuesday with Julien BriseBois becoming the new GM. With one year left on his deal, Yzerman will remain with the organization in an advisory capacity for the 2018-19 campaign.
"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 said during a press conference on Tuesday. "Hence the decision. I will be wherever I’m needed to be for Julien moving forward.”
Yzerman: “I feel this change in role is important for me to allow me to spend more time with my family and to still make sure the Lightning is managed to the level everyone has come to expect. We are all delighted that Julien is our next GM. He is more than ready.” pic.twitter.com/MBBC18ifnm
— Tampa Bay Lightning (@TBLightning) September 11, 2018
Hired in May 2010, Yzerman changed the fortunes for a franchise that missed the postseason the three seasons prior. Since Yzerman's arrival, Tampa Bay has reached the playoffs five times in eight seasons, with three trips to the Eastern Conference Finals and a Stanley Cup appearance in 2015. The Lightning lost to the Chicago Blackhawks in six games.
The 52-year-old was the sixth-longest tenured GM behind Stan Bowman, Bob Murray, Doug Wilson, Ken Holland and David Poile.
“We’re so thankful for the whole organization you’ve put together here," Lightning owner Jeff Vinick said at Tuesday's presser. "I understand your decision, I respect your decision, and you’re making the right decision for your family and I applaud it. We are pleased that he remains in the organization, helping contribute to our future success."
BriseBois to Yzerman: “Of all the great things that have happened to me since I came to Tampa, your friendship is one I value the most.” pic.twitter.com/VAJEt95qCG
— Tampa Bay Lightning (@TBLightning) September 11, 2018
As the GM, Yzerman did what many people in the same role struggled to do: keep the main core intact. Winger Nikita Kucherov, center Steven Stamkos and defenseman Victor Hedman are just three key pieces that Yzerman has kept in Florida as the team pursues the Stanley Cup.
The Yzerman era was not without its controversies. The Lightning traded then-captain Martin St. Louis to the New York Rangers in March 2014. St. Louis' relationship with the Lighting GM deteriorated after he was snubbed from the Canadian Olympic roster by Yzerman, the Team Canada executive director. Also, the decision to trade former third-overall pick Jonathan Drouin to the Montreal Canadiens in June 2017 was scrutinized as the pending restricted free agent came off his best season in Tampa Bay.
“Over the course of the last couple years, there have been moments, periods of times to reflect on my situation," Yzerman said. "This summer, when the season ended, it was time for Jeff and I to sit down and discuss my future."
The Detroit Red Wings legend and Hall of Famer said he has not thought about his future past the current season. Given his experience as both a player and a general manager, several teams would be in line to attain Yzerman's services.
Moving forward, Tampa Bay's new GM stressed that aside from his and Yzerman's official titles, little has changed in the organization's approach to the forthcoming season.
“Everyone’s responsibilities will remain the same, the mission will be the same and that mission is to win a Stanley Cup,” BriseBois said. “Nothing will be neglected in our pursuit of a Stanley Cup.”