After the soap opera former Tampa Bay Lightning owners Oren Koules and Len Barrie put players and fans through, the NHL's quick approval of new owner Jeff Vinik gives the franchise the stability it has needed for a long time.
All that's missing from Vinik's arrival is a white horse. It's clear the 50-year-old Boston financier is passionate about hockey, is a very astute businessman - he reportedly paid cash for the team - and is serious about doing everything possible to return the Stanley Cup trophy to Tampa.
Consider his comments to fans and others last week: "This franchise is not going to be restrained by financial resources." He said it twice. Bucs fans can only wish the Glazer family lived by that creed.
And: "You don't want me running the team on a day-to-day basis. You want a terrific, professional CEO doing that."
Those are the words players and fans longed to hear. Koules' and Barrie's financial problems and operational styles had cast a pall over the organization. It promises to be much different under Vinik.
Vinik, like former owner Bill Davidson, whom the Bolts won the Cup under in the 2003-04 season, is the sole owner, which will greatly reduce conflicts. He has the financial resources and, just as important, is excited to join the community.
In a way, the Lightning never recovered from the 2004-05 lockout, which killed the season only a few months after they won the Cup. With Vinik at the helm, the future of the team looks bright once again.
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