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By FRED GOODALL
AP Sports Writer
Lightning hires Barry Melrose as coach
TAMPA, Fla. (AP) -- Barry Melrose was hired as coach of the Tampa Bay Lightning on Tuesday, returning to the NHL after 12 years as a television analyst because he wants to be "on the inside again."
He replaces John Tortorella, who was fired June 3. The hiring ofMelrose
Tortorella was dismissed four years after leadingTampa Bay
Melrose Los Angeles
"I wanted the challenge again. I wanted to find out if I can still do it,"Melrose
Hollywood producer Oren Koules and former NHL player Len Barrie are leading the group purchasing the Lightning for $206 million. They approached Melrose Tampa Bay
The decision to hireMelrose
"Secrets from now on will be a lot better kept than this one,"Melrose
Gretzky was asked about the expected return last weekend during the NHL draft inOttawa
"I think it's wonderful. I think it's a great opportunity for Barry. He's a tremendous coach, and he's a player's coach," Gretzky said.
"And just as important, he understands the media and understands the marketplace that he's in,Tampa Bay Montreal Toronto L.A.
Melrose
The new owners have been negotiating a new contract extension for All-Star Vincent Lecavalier and said Monday they will be aggressive in free agency this summer to put players around No. 1 draft pick Steve Stamkos, who already has been penciled in to beTampa Bay
Gretzky said one ofMelrose
"He treats his role players with a great deal of respect. He treats those guys just as good as he treats his top players," Gretzy said. "I think that's a fine line and important because guys who don't play as much ... they need to have that reassurance that they're part of the team also."
AP Sports Writer
Lightning hires Barry Melrose as coach
TAMPA, Fla. (AP) -- Barry Melrose was hired as coach of the Tampa Bay Lightning on Tuesday, returning to the NHL after 12 years as a television analyst because he wants to be "on the inside again."
He replaces John Tortorella, who was fired June 3. The hiring of
Tortorella was dismissed four years after leading
"I wanted the challenge again. I wanted to find out if I can still do it,"
The decision to hire
"Secrets from now on will be a lot better kept than this one,"
Gretzky was asked about the expected return last weekend during the NHL draft in
"I think it's wonderful. I think it's a great opportunity for Barry. He's a tremendous coach, and he's a player's coach," Gretzky said.
"And just as important, he understands the media and understands the marketplace that he's in,
The new owners have been negotiating a new contract extension for All-Star Vincent Lecavalier and said Monday they will be aggressive in free agency this summer to put players around No. 1 draft pick Steve Stamkos, who already has been penciled in to be
Gretzky said one of
"He treats his role players with a great deal of respect. He treats those guys just as good as he treats his top players," Gretzy said. "I think that's a fine line and important because guys who don't play as much ... they need to have that reassurance that they're part of the team also."
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