(Editor’s Note: Taking a cue from Rays Index, we hope to start posting articles from time to time referencing old stories on the site and with the Tampa Bay Lightning)
The Way Forward: Tocchet, Lawton relieved of duties in Tampa
Only a month earlier, Jeff Vinik had assumed control of the Tampa Bay Lightning franchise that he had purchased from Oren Koules and Len Barrie’s OK Hockey group. With the conclusion of the 2009-2010 NHL season, he made the first personnel moves in the resurrection of the Lightning, dismissing GM Brian Lawton and head coach Rick Tocchet from their respective roles with the team.
In the waning days of the ’09-’10 season, and the looming uncertainty of intentions by Mr. Vinik, media persons and fans alike started painting Brian Lawton as the problem and giving Tocchet a pass, with thanks to Lawton’s dismissal of assistant coach Wes Walz in February of that year. By sympathizing with Tocchet, everyone overlooked his own shortcomings.
Since his dismissal, Tocchet has not coached in the NHL, his current gig is as an analyst for Comcast Sports Net Philadelphia (and gambler, all the same).
Lawton also remains without an NHL job at current. He provides commentary on Sportsnet.ca from time to time. and is active on Twitter.
