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Lawton Has The Lead Role Regarding Hockey Operations
by Paul on 05/29/09 at 11:40 AM ET
Comments (2)
from Damian Critodero of the St. Petersburg Times,
What was it like working with owners Barrie called “owner operators”?
“Last year, I did not feel comfortable at all,” Lawton said. “We had three people making decisions, everybody knows that, and it leads to a discombobulated effort. As an organization we sat down and straightened that out. Last year, I was exuberant for the opportunity. Now, I’m excited for the structure we have.”
A structure in which Lawton, 43, of Cumberland, R.I., gained influence.
He is a sounding board on business matters for Koules, who handles much of the day-to-day running of the team and Times Forum. He also apparently is the tie-breaker on hockey matters if Koules and Barrie disagree.
“Those guys have told me I’m the final word,” Lawton said. “That’s what they’ve communicated to me. That doesn’t mean I don’t notify them or I don’t keep them abreast of it. ... But at the end of the day, the way it’s set up is that’s my call.”
Koules acknowledged, “We’ve given Brian the authority to take the lead role in everything we do from a hockey operations standpoint.”
more including some Vinny talk…
Filed in: NHL Teams, Tampa Bay Lightning | KK Hockey | Permalink
Tags: Brian+Lawton,
Comments
Still a formula for bottom of NHL in standings. Owners not fit to make hockey decisions. This isn’t fantasy hockey pool. They need to stay out of all hockey decisions. Melrose, Gratton, Boyle trade, etc. all were terrible decisions by owners.
Posted by chris from tampa on 05/29/09 at 12:18 PM ET
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Read the whole original article. Honestly for all the bluster, doesn’t sound like much of anything has changed. You still have 2 owners insisting they’re going to be more “hands-off” and yet that they need to sign off on everything. And you still have 3 people with differing beliefs it sounds liek on what to do with Lecavalier.
I’d expect another season of misery in Tampa/St. Pete.
Posted by Primis on 05/29/09 at 12:09 PM ET