Lightning Name Senior Advisor

The Tampa Bay Lightning continued their front-office reorganization Wednesday, naming Cliff Fletcher senior advisor to the general manager.

Fletcher most recently served as general manager, chief operating officer and president of the Toronto Maple Leafs, from 1991-97. He also was the Calgary Flames' general manager during that NHL franchise's first 19 years.

"It's a unique situation that appealed to me," said Fletcher, who said he has no desire to become a full-time general manager again. "It gives me the opportunity to get back into the NHL and keep the lifestyle I want to lead. It gives me the best of both worlds."

Fletcher will assist Lightning coach-general manager Jacques Demers -- who also took on the general manager's role when Phil Esposito was fired Oct. 13 -- in all hockey matters.

The Lightning were the NHL's worst team last season, finishing the year at 17-55-10. The team started this season (0-4-1) winless in their first five games.

"Adding a man such as Cliff Fletcher to our organization is a huge step for the Tampa Bay Lightning," Demers said. "Cliff is as respected throughout the NHL as anyone."

Tampa Bay filled its vacant assistant general manager's post Tuesday, hiring Jay Feaster, the former president of the AHL's Hershey Bears.

© 1998 SportsLine USA, Inc. All rights reserved