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Lawton Named Bolts General Manager

The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 23, 2008

TAMPA - While Brian Lawton had served as Lightning general manager since his hiring June 25, his official title was vice president of hockey operations.

On Wednesday, that changed as owners Oren Koules and Len Barrie officially named Lawton general manager and executive vice president.

"I will do everything I can to drive the Lightning to a high level on and off the ice," Lawton said in a news release.

"At the same time, I know that success in hockey is a team effort, and I appreciate everyone here that is working, collectively, to bring us back to an elite level."

Since being hired, Lawton has been the point man for the team's free-agency strategy and the main person - outside of ownership - responsible for putting the team's roster together.

"He led us from a hockey operations perspective through the ownership transition and has proven to be the insightful, steady, guiding force that we are confident will lead us on the ice to long- and short-term successes," Koules and Barrie said in a joint statement.

Lawton is in Chicago this week to take part in the NHL general manager's meeting.

Vrbata Leaves Practice

RW Radim Vrbata left the ice early on Wednesday with what appeared to be an injury to his right leg. Vrbata came over to the bench and was stretching out the leg before heading to the locker room, walking with a slight limp. He was still limping in the hallway after practice.

Day Off

Wednesday's practice was optional, but most players participated, including F Matt Pettinger, who was claimed off waivers Tuesday. Those who did not skate were LW Gary Roberts, RW Mark Recchi and C Vinny Lecavalier.

Erik Erlendsson

Ward Clears
LW Jason Ward cleared waivers Wednesday, but he practiced with the team as it continues to figure out what to do with an overcrowded roster. The team has up to 30 days to assign Ward to AHL Norfolk.

Tampa Bay has 22 players on the active roster, but with D Marek Malik getting close to suiting up - possibly by Saturday - and Ryan Craig (groin) set to be activated from injured reserve, the Lightning have to make a move to keep the roster at the maximum of 23.

Rays Fans
LW Jussi Jokinen, D Mike Lundin, injured C Jeff Halpern, Craig and Ward were all in attendance at Game 1 of the World Series at Tropicana Field on Wednesday night.

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