Tampa Bay front office rumors swirl on Wednesday night

The focus of the hockey world was squarely on the Canadiens and Capitals tonight at Verizon Center in Washington DC.  While there was a watch party live and happening at the St. Pete Times Forum, there have been whispers creeping out of executive movement for the Tampa Bay Lightning.

TSN's Bob MacKenizie and Darren Dreger have reported the Lightning seeking permission to talk to former Detroit Red Wings star, current Wings Assistant GM and 2010 Canadian Olympic team general manager Steve Yzerman.  Yzerman is on a short list of candidates for the GM job.  Dave Nonis and Doug Risebrough are also speculated as on the short list. 

TSN is also reporting that a primary candidate for the Lightning / Tampa Bay Sports and Entertainment CEO role has been targeted by Vinik...  A candidate who took his name out of the running earlier this month:

Meanwhile, sources say Vinik's search for a CEO has identified a prime target and while Seattle Seahawks Chief Executive Officer, Tod Leiweke earlier this month told the St Petersburg Times he is not a candidate, some believe the job is his and the details are being finalized.

Vinik will continue playing cards close to his vest, so I take the Leiweke news with a hefty grain of salt for the time being.  Leiweke put it pretty straight to Damian Cristodero earlier this month when he took himself off the candidate list for potential CEO's:

"I'm happy doing what I'm doing," Leiweke said.

We'll find out just where things are officially going soon enough.