Latest Lightning Lowdown

While I was off looking for Jamaican hockey players and ice rinks in the Cayman Islands, the Tampa Bay Lightning continued their quest to build a world class organization. In case you missed it…here is the latest Lightning goings on!

Lightning Hire COO

The Bolts named former Orlando Magic vice president Steve Griggs chief operating officer. Griggs will begin his tenure in November and will be responsible for the organizations day-to-day operations. His major functions will be generating revenue (driving sellouts) and building the Lightning brand. Griggs and Lightning CEO Tod Leiweke worked together in Minnesota, establishing the Wild as the “fan friendliest” team in the NHL Owner Jeff Vinik continues to add talented people to the front office.

Lightning Trade Lashoff

The Lightning made a couple of depth moves by acquiring prospects Alex Berry and Stefano Giliato from Toronto in exchange for defenseman Matt Lashoff. This is a solid financial move as Lashoff was on a one way contract that would have paid him an NHL salary even if he played in Norfolk.

Lightning Hire Norfolk Assistant

Admirals General Manager Julien BriseBois announced former Admirals player Mike Flanagan as assistant coach in Norfolk. Flanagan worked under current Norfolk coach Jon Cooper with the St. Louis Bandits.

Lightning on Versus

The Lightning is scheduled to make six national TV appearances on Versus this season.. The games are October 14 at the Flyers, November 22 against the Bruins, December 28 against the Bruins, February 8 against the Sabres, March 7 against the Capitals and March 9 against the Blackhawks.

Lightning Add Veteran Defenseman

The Lightning signed veteran defenseman Randy Jones to a one-year deal for $1 million. The 6-2, 220-pound Jones, 29, has played in 265 career NHL games with Philadelphia and Los Angeles. Lightning General Manager Steve Yzerman said of Jones: “Randy is a skilled defenseman, capable of playing in all situations on both the right and left side. His addition gives us some needed depth on the blue line.”

Bolts Re-Sign Downie

As expected, the Lightning re-signed breakout winger Steve Downie.  The contract is worth $3.7 million over two years. The tenacious winger had 22 goals and 24 assists last season. He was a team best +14 and was among the league leaders in shooting percentage. “It was really a great step forward for Steve last year,” Lightning General Manager Steve Yzerman said, mentioning not just his providing a scoring punch but providing “the grit and the competitiveness and physical play” that is a vital element for a winning team. “He’s still a relatively young guy and we expect him to get better.” Downie has spent this off-season training with Steven Stamkos and former Lightning player Gary Roberts, a renowned workout freak, in Ontario.

V4 Has Surgery

Lightning center and captain Vinny Lecavalier underwent successful arthroscopic surgery on his left knee. He is expected to be out 3-4 weeks, but should be ready for the start of training camp on September 17.

Training Camp Roster

Training camp opens in just 16 days at the Brandon Ice Sports Forum! Defenseman Paul Ranger has decided not to attend camp. Here is the projected camp roster:  Defense – Brett Clark, Victor Hedman, Randy Jones, Pavel Kubina, Mike Lundin, Mattias Ohlund,  Matt Smaby.  Left wing – Simon Gagne, Ryan Malone, Johan Harju and a prospect. Center – Steven Stamkos, Vinny Lecavalier, Dominic Moore, Nate Thompson.  Right wing – Marty St. Louis, Steve Downie, Teddy Purcell, Niklas Persson. :  Goalie – Mike Smith, Dan Ellis.