Owner: Feaster resigns as Lightning GM

Jay Feaster at the Stanley Cup celebration in 2004. [Times photo | Dirk Shadd]

Well, that didn't take long. Lightning GM Jay Feaster resigned, owner Len Barrie said Friday with additional confirmation by vice president of hockey operations Brian Lawton.

"Yes," Barrie said, "we came to an agreement."

It should not come as any huge shock. Feaster's duties have been sharply curtailed since OK Hockey took over the team, and his name has been absent from the team's player personnel announcements.

Feaster's compensation was unclear Thursday morning, but considering he has three years left on a contract that pays between $800,000 and $900,000, he will not leave empty-handed.

"Jay's done a tremendous job," Barrie said. "It's more of when you come in, you want to go with your own culture. "And our culture is Oren and I are owner operators. Jay has been here a long time running it himself. Any time you come in, you evaluate things."

Feaster said he will not be available to the media Friday, but had two extensive quotes in a team release.

“For the past two weeks I have watched from the sidelines as Brian Lawton, Len Barrie and Oren Koules executed to perfection the game-plan they shared with us prior to the NHL Draft in Ottawa," Feaster said. "During that time it became apparent to me that this new ownership group did not need my advice or expertise, and I came to the conclusion that it was time to move on. When I expressed that sentiment to Oren and Len they immediately agreed to honor my contract and accept my resignation. I thank them for working with me through a difficult time and I wish them every continued success.”

“I want to thank Mr. Davidson for giving me the chance to manage his hockey team for the past six seasons, and I want to especially thank Ron Campbell. Like Bruce McKinney did 12 years earlier in Hershey in the American Hockey League, Ron believed in me when no one else did. Even as those around him questioned his judgment and wanted to look elsewhere for a GM, Ron stuck with me. He was, in my opinion, the unsung hero of our 2004 Stanley Cup Championship and our success through the years. I thank him deeply for his unwavering support. Finally, I want to thank our great fans who make it possible for all of us to enjoy working in this great game."

The resignation ends a long run for Feaster, 45, with the Lightning. He came on as an assistant general manager in October 1998 and in February 2002 became general manager, taking over for the fired Rick Dudley. Feaster, whose teams won 207 games and had a .547 winning percentage, was a big part of the Lightning's 2004 Stanley Cup run. His trade for defenseman Darryl Sydor is considered one of the best in Lightning history, and he was the Sporting News' 2004 NHL executive of the year. Too bad, he also will be remembered for one of the worst trades: the deal for goaltender Marc Denis, who turned out to be so bad he was bought out last month, for Fredik Modin.

It will be interesting to see how this plays out in the front office. Lawton took time Thursday to run through the changes and job descriptions. Tom Kurvers and Claude Loiselle are co-assistant general managers. Kurvers had more player/personnel duties, especially on the minor-league side. Loiselle is in charge of contracts, negotiations and CBA compliance.

But Barrie said Feaster's job, per se, will not be filled and he believes Kurvers and Loiselle will keep their current titles.

"We're going to do it as a group," Barrie said. "At the end of the day, Oren and I are going to have the final say and be accountable. We're going to lean on surrounding ourselves with the right people."

 

Comments

[Leanmean43]

Here is an article that sums up Feaster's contributions to the Lightning:
http://www.spectorshockey.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=807&Itemid=2

[BoltsFan91]

Agreed Don. He did have a rough time as our GM though. After dealing with the ownership problems and drama with the league, he could still do alot of things with the Lightning Organization. He brought in small prospects like Michell Oulette and Arty. He had a tough time after the Salary Cap was put in. He had alot of players that he wanted to keep but couldnt because of the Cap. Example: Khabibulin, they wanted him badly but with all the big names on the Lightning, St. Louis, Richards, Lecavalier, Fedetenko, etc. he couldnt hold onto the Bulin Wall. He wouldnt take any of Tampa's offers and just made Jay's job alot harder. It is hard finding a goalie the calliber of Khabibulin. But all in all. Don you are correct.

[Don in St. Pete]

Boltsfan91, I agree and I disagree. For 2 years leading up to the 04' Stanley Cup Feaster was the best GM in Hockey. I'm sure he had to be to save hid job. There was literally nothing in the pipeline, and no assets to trade. But Jay was creative trading low rond picks for players like Boyle, Pratt and Stillman, and picking up Cullimore on Waivers from the hapless Canadians. Feaster's downfall though was that after having to go through all that to put the cup winning team together that he still didn't fire Jake Goertzen who bankrupted our system of almost any talent for 16 years. As the GM. that is your call. If you want to improve the draft record, eliminate the problem. Thanks for the CUP jay and Hasta la vista baby! Go Bolts!

[Coach Bill]

I'M GLAD THERE HAS BEEN SUCH AN OUTPOUR OF WELL WISHES AND GRATITUDE. JAY DESERVES THAT.

[BoltsFan91]

The second I heard that they hired Brian Lawton I knew Feaster was going to be gone. It is sad. He is probably one of the best NHL GMs in the league. Him and his scouting team have made alot of moves that i thought were sceptical but ended up being REALLY good trades. Example: Vaclav Prospal for Alexandre Picard and a draft pick. Picard made a HUGE step from being a minor league/NHL prospect to being a awsome defenceman that isn't afraid to get dirty. Of course losing Prospal at the time upset me but that choice to get Picard was awsome. And now look we have them both. Another example that Jay did alot for our organization is in 2002 when the Lightning signed Torts as the new head coach, Torts took Vinny's "C" off of his chest and almost caused one of the worst things to happen in losing Lecavalier. Jay sat them both down and told them that they needed to pull it together "FOR THE TEAM". Because he didn't want to be known as the GM that traded Vincent Lecavalier. And in case you forgot, Tampa won the Stanely Cup two years later.

So to Jay all I have to say is, good luck and thank you for making a hockey in Florida fun to watch. Me and my family love what you have done for this organization and will miss you!!

Black and Blue 4 Life!!

[Nate Dogg]

Jay, you had me until two summers ago. But I understand not being able to play your true hand (self-imposed cap roof) and desperate times calling for desperate measures (Gratton, OBrien, and Denis trades). However, amigo, the time was coming sooner than later, and I'm glad things were resolved in such a professional manner.

Thanks again for bringing the cup to Tampa Bay and for being a class act. I, too will never forget it. One of the best moments of my life being at game 7. Best of luck, buddy.

ND

[Boltflasher]

Pete...take 2 aspirin and call the Dr in the morning if you still feel bad..

[Pete is partially wrong]

Who cares about Henry and Mr. DUI Campbell. Kirwan has been a career guy with this club and has earned his spot.

[Pete]

This is not a move to rejoice. There will be more moves for many in the front office and locker room, those too will prove disastorous.

Why so many people are infatuated with Kluless and his gang is beyond me.

Enjoy the Dudley like revolvong door for players. And then what will be many big promises that they will never deliver on.

Feaster is gone, Campbell, Henry, Kirwan, Thill are all next and that is not good.

[Tony]

I know little about Mr Feaster except to say when I wote with two queries about the Lighning last year, he wrote back very promptly with a very detailed and personal letter. Not man GMs do that these days.

[LightningRod]

Feaster can be blamed for some stupid moves over the last 3 yrs. However, how many of those moves and decisions were made as a direct result of his hands being tied by the self imposed $$$ cap and lack of commitment of the Davidson group? My guess is more than we'll ever know; but you only have to look at what OK has done to see what the willingness to change and spend $$$ can do to change and improve a team. The Oilers are doing the same thing.

Finally, I want to say thanks to Jay for helping bring a CUP to Tampa, that I will never forget.

[Twinebulge]

Nice summary ML

I wonder if I recall correctly immediately after the Cup win Feaster announcing he had Khabi agreeing to around $6.5M/yr to come back - the very first deal out of the gate for summer 04 - then the lockout, and all the contracts were inexplicably declared "SERVED" for the wasted season. Mystifying. No one did any serving, but the contracts got wiped out and the Cup squad soon after

[Marty Lindbergh]

Jay Feaster inherited the majority of the 2004 Stanley Cup team. Vinny Lecavalier and Brad Richards were drafted on Phil Esposito's watch, and Marty St. Louis, Nikolai Khabibulin, Dan Boyle, Dave Andreychuk, Tim Taylor, and Fredrik Modin were all Rick Dudley acquisitions. That said, Feaster did successfully execute the truce between Lecavalier and John Tortorella, and his trades for Ruslan Fedetenko, Brad Lukowich, Cory Stillman, and Daryl Sydor were all just as crucial to the '04 title. Feaster's downfall was the mismanagement of the salary cap and the failure to adequately replace Khabibulin in goal. However, the cap itself and the Bulin Wall's greed were also contributing factors. Best of luck, Mr. Feaster, in all future endeavors.

[Not the Marlboro Man]

Congrats to the Ok fellas for letting the big one get away. I think it was a large non-mistake. Hopefully Atlanta, Carolina or Washinton gathers his services so we can have the best of both worlds.

Now to the OK fellas...don't screw it up again!

[Twinebulge]

It's true he didn't trade Vinny. However, scuttlebutt has it that he did complete a deal to trade Vinny to VAN for Luongo two springs ago. The only reason it fell through was the Canucks GM at the time, Nonis, backed out at the last minute. I don't know if this is true, and I don't know anyone who knows for a fact whether it's true, and I forgot to ask Jay the last time I saw him, which apparently will be the last time I see him. If anyone can enlighten us, have at it

Good luck with everything Jay and above all take care of yourself man, your family wants you around for a long long time to come even if "Tackleberry" doesn't.

(For him and everyone else who doesn't know, the CCM trademark name for their skate last, or foot form, is actually TACKABERRY - "Tacks" for short - named for its maker George Tackaberry of Manitoba)

[Herb]

Hey in case you missed it Steve, Goertzen(sp) was relieved of his duties and the Bolts hired Ryan Malone's father has the new head scout. THANK GOD!!

[Jim]

As with many others, I congratulate you Jay. You did an excellent job with the cards that you were continuously dealt. I wish you the best in the future.

[David]

Unfortunately, after the lockout Jay allowed himself to be reactionary and made decisions based on what looks like fear/panic. After not getting Khabibulin he began to give very large contracts to players he was scared to lose. Primarily culminating in the Richards deal.

Scouting and development also have to fall at his feet, whether it was his fault or not, it was under his purview and The Buck Stops Here. I think Jay was an excellent example of the Peter Principle, he rose to a level one step beyond his ability.

I just wonder if he and Torts will do one final interview with the Big Dog. That might make for some good radio.

[Cookie]

Thanks Jay, for everything. Your passion and love of the game was contagious. Your honesty and integrity ---impeccable.

[JB]

Excellent move, Mr. Feaster. I wouldn't want to be a part of this date with disaster either. You did a spectacular job helping the Lightning win the cup. While your decisions weren't the best after the cap world came to rise, one can hardly blame you with all of the restrictions you were facing from ownership. Thanks for the cup, and best of luck in the future.

[Steve]

I hope their next to worthless Chief of Amateur Scouting goes too.The Lightning have had mostly terrible drafts lately!

[jhkyref]

Off the subject for another note:
"In a surprise move, the Lightning have brought back center Chris Gratton on a one-year deal. Here’s the release.

The Tampa Bay Lightning have re-signed center Chris Gratton to a one-year contract today, owners Oren Koules and Len Barrie announced.

“We are extremely excited to have Chris back in the fold for next season,” vice president of hockey operations Brian Lawton said. “He is a true professional that fits in perfectly with our plan to be a tough team to play against. We look forward to having a healthy Chris Gratton on the ice next season.”

[ric]

Someone wrote that they should change the name of the team because they didn't even recognise them anymore. Well you will probably get your wish because I believe the new owners will eventually end up moving the team. Mr. Feaster may not have been perfect but he did bring us a cup and had the best in mind for THIS city. Not so sure about the new guys. Best of luck Jay!

[ap]

Best of luck. I always liked Jay. Yet, I LOVE the Lightning and look forward to the future. Thanks to Jay for all he did... and trust me,I know 1st hand that he did stuff for the community that most will never know or appreciate.

[Paul from Orlando]

Jay, best of luck.I believe you did a great job considering the lack of support you received from the ownership. It was your hard work that brought the Cup to Tampa, we ALL will remember that and NOT the one trade that went sour. Thats something that cnanot be taken away from you! I know you will surface in another organization because of your integrity, hard work, and knowledge of the game.Best Wishes to you and your family.

[skp]

it was his time to go, but nobody can take away from him the deals that he made to put us over the top - forcing vinny & torts to work together, the fedotenko trade, grabbing sydor, and all the rest...

his legacy would've been very different were it not for the lockout, i feel...thanks for the memories, sorry you stayed past your time, although you were possibly better than any alternatives bill davidson would've furnished for us had you left...

[Goalman]

Tackelberry
Yoo reely need two liten up. Yore joaks aint funnie. I no thatt yoo hait Jay butt bee a nise geye andd pleas givv J a brake.

[PD]

What Feaster did extremely well is put Bums in seats, in a non hockey market.
That ain't easy.

He sold the dream and collected the seasons tickets.

His peers named him executive of the year.

He'll for sure be baaaak.

[BG]

Guys, I'm sad that the original Stanley Cup team is no longer. Torts gone, Feaster gone. By the way , I did see him eating at a restraunt. Thanks for the memories guys. Thanks for the Cup. New ownership is unproven. I hope they don't demean us ?

[db]

Woodsy, Good call. Try to be nice Tackleberry, it will do you good.

Thanks Jay for the good times. My son and I will never forget being there for Game 7. Priceless! Good luck to you and your family.

[J. Walden (Bradenton, FL)]

Hey! Torts and Feaster are going to be missed. Melrose and his band of Flying Monkeys have really yet to be proven. A ton of moves for the appearance of acting as if the Broom of Progress was cleaning house? What will become of all this, is yet to be seen. I want to see the team succeed but I fear it may be a few years and a few (maybe 40) more trades before we can build cohesion.

Good luck Jay! Best wishes to you and the family! Thank you for a Cup!

[Woodsy]

Tackleberry,

Feaster is still making $800 grand a year, while you're collecting $8 an hour at best. Now who has the last laugh, loser.

I've had my share of complaints and praises for Jay, but I wish him all the best. Thanks for the opportunity to reach the pinnacle of all sporting events, the night of June 7, 2004 will be forever etched in my mind. I don't think there will ever be another sporting event that I attend that was as thrilling as that moment! Thanks Jay!

[Bobby]

I really could't say it any better than Karma and Tim. Good luck and best wishes, Jay.

[Casper]

"Plus, I was at Game Seven. Feaster contributed to one of the greatest moments of my life. I cannot wish the man ill will.

Posted by: mlm | July 11, 2008 at 01:55 PM"

Ditto.

The post lock-out debacles of budget constraints coupled with stepping into the wide unknown with Richie's contract--- that we'd have JF's head if we lost Brad to the Wings, et al--- do not negatively balance Feaster's measurable contributions to one of the great moments in my life, as well.

Thanks and godspeed to JF and his family.

P.S.: you're lucky to be out of here, sshhhh, don't tell anybody I said so...

Go Bolts!

[Dale]

New Owners,

I just have one request:

KEEP DAVE MISHKIN!

SCOOOOOOORE!!!

[David (Clearwater, Fl)]

mlm, I have to agree with you on that. Being at game 7 doesn't happen every day & I'll remember it for years to come. None of us know enough about the behind the scenes factors that contributed to the personnel decisions that the team and Feaster have made in the past few years. However, with the team in a steady decline and the ownership change taking place the decision to part ways with Feaster is an easily foreseeable one. I wish him the best and hope that he can find a situation that caters to his strengths and one where he can succeed in the future. It was simply time for a change around here, and lord knows we've gotten plenty of that so far.

[Wade]

Tackleberry,

Are you still in the 5th grade?

But anyway, I think feaster did a great job managing this club in the good and the bad years, is was very poor scouting that drove this team to hell in the minors.

We will miss you Jay, I will never forget the Stanley Cup parade in the Forum where all Feaster could say was, " After this boys, were going to get fitted for rings! YEAH!!! YEAH!!! "

Good luck Jay, too bad you were run out.

[Rich]

Jay, had is run. It then fell all apart. Now he is gone, the best of times the Stanley Cup, The wors of times No Goaltending since. It appears he believed the award in 2004 went to his head and he could do no wrong. Ultimately, the sale of the team, had all of the writing on the wall. These guys, remind me of owners I find less than endering, Jones, Schneider, early Steinbrenner. I love the sport, but these guys have lost me, I will still watch, because of the sport, not because of what they have done. I think all of this was done long before they took over and what they should have done from day one was, lay all of it out instead of the backdoor type stuff. I hope they do not run out of cash, but I would bet the opposite.

I love Hockey, not sure about the Lightning's ownership.

[Tim]

Best of luck Jay.

Tackleberry, you (and everyone else who couldn't resist the attraction of a childish put down) are a tool. A dull edged, useless, tool.

[Karma]

Jay,
Thanks for making the moves to bring us the Cup and that fantastic eastern conference win over the filthy flyers. Thanks for making the best of what limited financial resources ownership released to you. Thanks for not trading Vinnie to Toronto, and arbitrating a truce between our best player and coach.
Now, go and enjoy life. You have some well deserved time off.
You have always operated as the ultimate professional and will be missed.

[mlm]

Every GM makes mistakes, but Feaster won and was here when this team went from about 8000 in the seats to 18000. He was as important as Rich McKay was to the Bucs.
Plus, I was at Game Seven. Feaster contributed to one of the greatest moments of my life. I cannot wish the man ill will.

[Don in St. Pete]

Jay, You did a good job for one memorable season and won a cup. For that we are grateful. However, your performance since the lockout has left us with no winger prospects in the system and a new owner. Good luck to you and your family on your next adventure. GO BOLTS!

[h29]

Hush now children, time for a moment of seriousness...

Jay, I may have not agreed with all your moves but you have certainly tried your best and were always an accessible and friendly voice for the team. I wish you and your family well and just want to say thanks for having a part (let the other bloggers argue what extent that is) in helping the Cup come here and help ignite my passion for the team and the sport.

Thank you and now back to the regularly scheduled fat jokes and other "pithy repartee"

[boltcc]

Jay helped solidify this team after Dudley was making trades every other day and let things settle down. Keeping Vinny was huge and Sydor also. I think he was very restricted by ownership the past few years> I heard him say that he wanted to make the Denis Trade at the trade deadline, so they would have time to evaluate him and was turned down. And then they had to sign him over the summer without him playing first. The team has been was a victim of the lockout and neglectful ownership since 2004. But thanks Jay for all the good.!

[Brendan]

Tackleberry,

Your insults come off as childish when you can't spell the punchline to your "joke" properly.

Thank you Jay for all you did. You gave this franchise the best year it has ever had.

[Josh H.]

Jay Feaster was a class act and we will miss him sorely.

[Brendan]

Tackleberry,

Your insults come off as childish when you can't spell the punchline to your "joke" properly.

Thank you Jay for all you did. You gave this franchise the best year it has ever had.

[Voice of the Turtle]

"Jay's done a tremendous job," says Len Barrie who has, of late, clearly established himself as the definitive Tampa Bay Lightning voice of credibility (ask Bruce Boudreau, Danny Boyle, or anyone who can read).

Actually, the quote, if twisted a bit, does make a little sense, because who would argue with the observation that Jay Feaster is "tremendous."

Well, the big guy is now gone, but his name will forever be brandished the 2004 section of the Stanley Cup. He also did what every wanna-be-GM on this site dreams of doing and enjoyed his 15 minutes of fame.

We will not be able to kick him around like a beachball (no pun...well, maybe a small pun intended) any more; so, I shall take this opportunity to wish Jay and his family success and happiness. The guy has been living on a red hot frying pan for the last couple of years, and he deserves to find a less stressful situation. Good luck to this well-meaning gentleman.

[Josh R]

"I'm not going to become the guy that everyone remembers as the GM that traded Vinny Lecavalier." Best thing he ever did, or didn't do.

[Tackleberry]

Good riddens, dont forget to grease your hips before going out the door. And take your donut box with you!

Fat, incompetent and stupid is no way to go through life.

One last trade: I will trade you a pile of donuts for V4, MSL, Vrbata, your 1st and 2nd rd draft picks for '09 and '10.

I bet he's drouling at that offer.