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The Tampa Bay Lightning are set to name Steve Yzerman their new GM. Is this an intelligent hockey decision, a brilliant PR move, or both? As a student of the game, Yzerman was one of the most intellgient and charismatic players to even lace up a pair of skates, and he is a champion in every sense of the word. Since retiring, he has worked tirelessly under legendary GM Ken Holland of the Detroit Red Wings to learn the ins and outs of what it takes to manage a successful NHL franchise. Yzerman's hockey IQ is elite, and he has now studied for half a decade under one of the greatest GM's in league history. Yzerman had his first chance at building a team when he successfully constructed the 2010 gold metal Team Canada. He took the intelligent route to becoming a GM, and I believe he is more than ready. I expect big things from Yzerman, and he has some very valuable and talented young pieces to work with in Tampa Bay.

Steven Stamkos
Victor Hedman
Vincent Lecavelier
Martin St. Louis
Ryan Malone
Kurtis Foster.

The first order of buisness is to formulate a plan that will land The Lightning a real NHL goalie. They need someone who can be counted on to play 60 games, and to keep them close. They have enough fire power to win games offensively, and they need a goalie who will 'just not lose the game for them'.

Second order of business is to find a way to shed Lecavelier's contract and bring back something of tangible use in return for his near $10M a year. I believe a few teams would be interested in his services, but that contract is ugly.

Smart move by the Lightning in my estimation, I believe Yzerman will do an excellent job.

What are your thoughts on this decision by the Lightning organization?

It's certainly a savvy movie on the Lightning's part. Get a recognizable name even to non-hockey fans who is more than capable of building a good team. As you said, I think the Lightning are a legit goalie away from making some noise again, that offense is terrific.

DAMN IT. I wanted Stevie Y in Montreal in the worst way, but I thought there was no way in hell he was leaving Detroit.

Stevie Y is the truth and should be a great GM. very nice move by TB

Do I ever wish Mtl could have landed Stevie Y... Of course there would have been the idiots calling for his head not being able to speak perfect french no doubt, ugh. Tampa's going to be turning into a Stanley cup contender within the next 2-4 years no doubt.

Great move by Tampa. Yzerman not only knows the game well but he's gonna bring a lot of attention to that team. Really wish the Oilers would of went after him.

Hmm. With Tampa needing a goalie and San Jose wanting to shake things up and land guys who can perform in the playoffs, I wonder what the chances are of San Jose S&Ting Nabokov for Vinny? I think that would be a pretty huge win-win for both teams, but I honestly see Yzerman zoning in on Price, Halak or Schneider.

Gonna be a fun summer, regardless.

Looks like Yzerman got his coach in Guy Boucher, agruably the best available coach on the market.