When Steve Yzerman signed on as the Bolts GM in 2010, his first order of business was to ask the Lightning faithful to be patient and believe in his methodical approach to building a consistent winner. In the ensuing four years, Tampa Bay has made the playoffs twice. In 2011, they reached Game 7 of the Conference Final, while the 2014 story is still being written.
Extending Yzerman is simply the best move owner Jeffrey Vinik could make. The team and organization are right on track to become a “World Class” organization.
The list of accomplishments of the Bolts GM is long. Here are a few highlights:
Yzerman has carefully built the minor league system to unprecedented heights, including winning the Calder Cup with the Norfolk Admirals in 2012. The system has developed two of the top NHL prospects, Jonathan Drouin (2013 third-overall pick) and goalie Andrey Vasilevskiy (2012 first-round).
In 2011 Yzerman signed superstar Steven Stamkos to a $37.5 million extension keeping the now Bolts captain in the fold until at least the 2015-16 season. Stamkos is a relative bargain compared to the rest of the NHL’s leading salary makers. He ranks ninth in the NHL in salary while performing at or near the top in offensive production.
The Bolts GM traded fan favorite Cory Conacher to Ottawa in exchange for goalie Ben Bishop, a move that was not well received at the time. All Bishop has done is become one of the best netminders in the NHL (62 games, 37 wins, 2.23 GAA, .924 SV%), while Conacher has since been released by the Senators and is now with the Sabres.
After buying out franchise cornerstone Vincent Lecavalier, Yzerman signed free agent center Valtteri Filppula to a five year, $25 million contract. Filppula has responded with arguably his best season as a pro (25 goals, 57 points, 6 power play goals).
After dismissing coach Guy Boucher, Yzerman hired Jon Cooper, who in turn has led the Lightning to a 47-35-12 record and a playoff berth in his first 94 games as an NHL coach.
Yzerman gave Martin St. Louis his wish and shipped him off to the New York Rangers in exchange for Ryan Callahan. Callahan has 11 points in 16 games with the Bolts and provided a necessary grit to the lineup. St. Louis has one goal and four points since joining the Blueshirts.
After 27 seasons of success with the Detroit Red Wings as a player and front office executive, Yzerman is keeping with the blueprint of prosperity that he has lived.
The Bolts are in good hands with Yzerman.
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