The Tampa Bay Lightning organization announced today that General Manager Steve Yzerman has signed a four-year contract extension. Team chairman Jeff Vinik made the announcement this afternoon. Yzerman, who has been with the Lightning since 2010, has one year left on his current deal.
Since joining the Lightning, Yzerman has helped to completely reform hockey in Tampa Bay. It’s hard not to appreciate just how much the former Red Wing has done to make the Lightning one of the league’s premier organizations. The emphasis he and his colleagues have placed on building depth and developing young players cannot be understated. The results of that process are currently being showcased on the ice night in and night out, as the Lightning head towards their second playoff berth since Yzerman took over as manager.
Jeff Vinik echoed the positive sentiments in the official press release:
“Since the day Steve agreed to serve as our vice president and general manager, he has worked tirelessly to transform our hockey department and establish the groundwork for sustained success…, said Vinik in making the announcement. “We are very pleased with Steve’s job performance thus far, and I am fully confident Steve remains the right person to continue to lead us. “Organizationally, we remain committed to playing at the highest levels each season - regularly competing for the Stanley Cup - and I am very pleased that Steve has elected to be our leader for the next several years.…
"I'm grateful for the opportunity to continue the process we started four years ago and would like to thank Jeff Vinik for entrusting me with the responsibility of leading the Tampa Bay Lightning,… Yzerman said. “I'm very excited about what lies ahead for our organization and truly enjoy working with a fantastic group of people in Tampa Bay."