Tampa Bay Lightning General Manager Steve Yzerman resigns

Steve Yzerman is moving away from his role as General Manager of the Tampa Bay Lightning, the team announced Tuesday.

Yzerman, 53, has been General Manager of Tampa Bay since 2010. He will become the Senior Advisor to the new General Manager Julien BriseBois, who was Assistant Director General.

"I think this role change is important for me to allow me to spend more time with my family and to ensure that the Lightning is managed to the level that everyone expects," Yzerman said. . "We are all delighted that Julien is our next GM, he is more than ready.

"Doing the job right and being with my family is getting tough, where the decision will be – I'll be where I need to go ahead with Julien."

A longtime player and captain of the Detroit Red Wings, Yzerman helped Detroit win three Stanley Cups between 1997 and 2002.

Yzerman signed a four-year extension with Tampa Bay on April 7, 2014, during the 2018-19 season. The Lightning reached the Stanley Cup final in 2015, but since then he has struggled to overcome the mound. The team last season finished with 113 points and a first place finish in the Atlantic Division, but was ousted at the Eastern Conference finals by the Washington Capitals.

The 2018-1920 Lightning raises great expectations; They are thought to be one of the pre-season favorites at the Eastern Conference and once again a legitimate Stanley Cup contender.

Prior to joining the Lightning, Yzerman was vice president of the Red Wings for four seasons. He has also held executive positions at Hockey Canada.

BriseBois, 41, was hired as assistant general manager by Yzerman in 2010. Prior to that, he was vice-president of Canadiens hockey operations.

"Jeff is a great owner and I'm excited to lead his hockey team and realize his vision," said BriseBois. "Steve has been a great general manager and a great mentor to me – I look forward to continuing our work together, with only different titles next to our names.

"The mission is going to be the same.This mission is to win the Stanley Cup, I can assure you that everything will be done and that nothing will be neglected in our pursuit to win the cup."