Jay Feaster Resigns as GM of the Tampa Bay Lightning

Damian Crisdotero of the St. Pete Times is reporting on his blog that Jay Feaster has resigned as General Manager of the Tampa Bay Lightning. Feaster ends a run with the Lightning organization of nearly ten years which began with his hiring as Assistant GM under Jacques Demers in 1998 and over six years as General Manager following the firing of former GM Rick Dudley in 2002.

Feaster's two biggest deals in Tampa Bay involved one trade he did make, and even more importantly, one trade he never made. The former Hershey Bears GM made the pivotal deal with Columbus in 2004 to trade former first round pick Alex Svitov for defenseman Darryl Sydor, who solidified the Lightning blueline on the way to the franchise's first Stanley Cup. That Stanley Cup would not have been possible were it not for Feaster's steadfast resolve not to trade franchise player Vincent Lecavalier. Feaster's behind the scenes role as peacekeeper between Lecavalier and former Head Coach John Tortorella also helped to pave the way for two Southeast Division titles, a Stanley Cup, and four straight Stanley Cup Playoff appearances between the 2002-2003 and 2006-2007 seasons.

BoltProspects wishes Feaster, who has always been a gracious and forthright friend to this website, the best of luck in whatever future endeavors he pursues.