Jeff Vinik incurred instant credibility when he bought the Tampa Bay Lightning last month. He paid cash. The previous owners were highly leveraged and needed NHL payroll advances. Vinik’s net worth is in the $800-million range. He is also a sole owner. No partners for subplots.
Vinik just reinforced that first impression by cleaning house. A third straight non-playoff season — in a sport where virtually every team qualifies — called for no less. Well-liked but underachieving head coach Rick Tocchet was let go as well as disliked and underachieving general manager Brian Lawton.
Vinik’s game plan going forward will begin with the hiring of a CEO within 30 to 60 days. That person will hire Lawton’s replacement, who will, in turn, hire a coach. Vinik knows enough to know that he’s not the hockey expert. The financial maven will invest in the right people.
That’s also a big part of his credibility — and a major contrast with his “cowboy” predecessors.