The success of the Tampa Bay Lightning in winning back-to-back Stanley Cups in 2020 and 2021 has often sparked debate about the contributions of former general manager Steve Yzerman versus current GM Julien BriseBois. Many argue that BriseBois was fortunate to inherit a well-structured team built by Yzerman, who spent nearly a decade shaping the Lightning into a powerhouse. Yzerman’s tenure saw the drafting and development of key players such as Nikita Kucherov, Andrei Vasilevskiy, Brayden Point, and Anthony Cirelli, as well as the acquisition of crucial pieces like Ryan McDonagh and Mikhail Sergachev. His vision laid the foundation for Tampa Bay's dominant years.
However, while Yzerman undoubtedly did much of the heavy lifting in assembling a championship-caliber roster, BriseBois has also played a significant role. After taking over in 2018, he made critical decisions that kept the Lightning at the top, including navigating the salary cap, signing key players to manageable contracts, and making strategic acquisitions like Blake Coleman and Barclay Goodrow—both of whom played vital roles in the Cup-winning seasons. His ability to retain the team’s core while maintaining flexibility was essential to Tampa Bay's continued success.
In the end, both Yzerman and BriseBois deserve credit for Tampa Bay’s triumphs. Yzerman laid the groundwork, but BriseBois successfully executed final moves and managed the roster in a way that ensured the Lightning remained dominant when it mattered most. The debate may continue, but the results speak for themselves—the Lightning remain one of the most formidable franchises in the NHL today.
Yzerman's Legacy
From 2010 to 2018, Yzerman served as the Lightning’s general manager, meticulously assembling one of the deepest rosters in the NHL. He made franchise-altering decisions, including drafting Nikita Kucherov, Brayden Point, and Andrei Vasilevskiy, who became cornerstone players. He also orchestrated trades for defensemen like Ryan McDonagh and Mikhail Sergachev, strengthening the team’s blue line. His vision was clear—build a skilled, fast, and balanced team capable of sustained success. By the time Yzerman departed in 2018 to return to the Detroit Red Wings, he had already shaped a championship-contending squad.
BriseBois' Execution
Julien BriseBois inherited an elite roster, but his management ensured the Lightning remained at the top. His ability to navigate the salary cap, make crucial acquisitions, and retain core players was essential in securing those Stanley Cup victories. The trades for Blake Coleman and Barclay Goodrow added grit and depth, making Tampa Bay an even more formidable opponent. Additionally, BriseBois kept the team financially stable, signing smart deals that avoided cap trouble while keeping key players under contract.
While Yzerman’s groundwork was crucial, BriseBois proved to be an effective leader who could make the tough decisions necessary to win championships. Managing a team isn't just about building—it’s about maintaining success, adjusting strategies, and keeping players motivated. Both GMs deserve credit, but BriseBois' impact on Tampa Bay's dominance cannot be overlooked. Fans will continue to debate how much of the Lightning's success was luck versus leadership, but in the end, what matters most is the trophies sitting in their championship case.
