TAMPA BAY – Tampa Bay Lightning Chief Executive Officer Tod Leiweke resigned today to become Chief Operating Officer of the National Football League, Lightning Chairman and Governor Jeff Vinik announced this morning. Vinik also announced that, effective immediately, Lightning President Steve Griggs has been named the organization's Chief Executive Officer, reporting directly to Vinik. Vice President and General Manager Steve Yzerman will continue to report to Vinik on all hockey operations matters.

Leiweke has served Vinik and the Lightning for the past five years as part of an executive team brought to the Lightning by Vinik with the vision of building a world class franchise on and off the ice. During that time, the Lightning has become one of the NHL's top franchises, winning the Eastern Conference Championship and advancing to the Stanley Cup Final in 2015 while reaching new heights off the ice.

"Tod has been instrumental in our franchise transformation and I am grateful for all his work and dedication," said Vinik upon making the announcement. "During Tod's five years with the Lightning, we have set our franchise on a trajectory for excellence with Steve Griggs and an outstanding management team working beside him every step of the way. Steve is ready for the additional responsibilities that come with being CEO, and, as a testament to Tod, we will not miss a beat moving forward."

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