On Wednesday, Tamp Bay Lightning general manager Steve Yzerman joked about crossing things off his to-do list. On Friday, he crossed a couple of big things off that list.
The Tampa Bay Lightning announced that they have hired Julien BriseBois as an assistant general manager. BriseBois comes from the Montreal Canadiens organization, where he served as the GM of the Hamilton Bulldogs. He will fill a similar roll with the Norfolk Admirals in addition to his duties with the Lightning.
From the press release:
“We are thrilled to add Julien to the Lightning management team today,” Yzerman said. “He is regarded as one of the best young minds in the game and he should be a strong asset as we continue in our efforts to build a first class, professionally-run franchise. On behalf of the entire Lightning organization I would like to welcome Julien to Tampa Bay .”
BriseBois, 33, spent the previous nine seasons with the Canadiens after joining the organization on September 1, 2001 as Director of Legal Affairs. In July of 2003 he added Director of Hockey Operations to his duties before being named Vice President of Hockey Operations on July 24, 2006. On August 23, 2007 BriseBois was named the general manager of Montreal ’s top affiliate, the Hamilton Bulldogs of the AHL, making him the youngest currently in the league. During that time he retained his position with the Canadiens. The Bulldogs improved in each year under BriseBois’ tenure, going from 36-34-10 in 2007-08 to 52-17-11 last year. In three seasons Hamilton went 137-78-25 under his guidance.
“I am excited to join the Lightning today and thank Steve for giving me this opportunity,” said BriseBois this afternoon. “The franchise is on the right track and I personally look forward to getting started in Tampa Bay and doing everything I can to help restore a winning feeling to the organization and its fans.
BrisBois is expected to take a huge roll in salary cap management, as well as contract negotiations as well.
