It’s business as usual for the Tampa Bay Lightning. Or as close to it as the enigmatic franchise can get.
Sources tell Sportsnet the front office of the franchise remains intact after a meeting Tuesday between NHL commissioner Gary Bettman and Lightning co-owners Oren Koules and Len Barrie over confusion about responsibilities. Koules remains as team governor and Brian Lawton as the general manager. It is believed Barrie wanted to change Lawton’s role.
Bettman called the meeting in advance of the NHL’s July 1 free agent signing period because of the arrangement last year where Koules, Barrie and Lawton were all handling various negotiations. However, this past year has seen a difference in philosophies emerge between Koules and Barrie on the direction of the franchise. The main points of contention are Lawton’s role and how to approach captain Vinny Lecavalier’s future with the club.
Lecavalier signed an 11-year, $85-million extension last summer, with a no-trade clause due to kick in July 1. However, the cash-strapped team has been rumoured to be looking to deal the 29-year-old.
