Red Wings' great Steve Yzerman steps down as Lightning GM

(Photo: Chris O'Meara / Associated Press)Steve Yzerman is stepping down as general manager of the Tampa Bay Lightning and will be replaced immediately by assistant Julien BriseBois, a person with knowledge of the move told AP on Tuesday.

The stunning turn of events comes days before the Lightning open training camp following a trip to the Eastern Conference final. Yzerman, 53, spent the past eight seasons as Tampa Bay’s GM, a tenure that included four playoff appearances and a trip to the 2015 Stanley Cup Final.

The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity Tuesday because the team had not announced Yzerman’s decision. The Lightning were expected to hold a news conference later Tuesday.

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