So far, Yzerman's actions have created a buzz.

"I give him more than an A for what he's done," said Pierre McGuire, a television analyst for Canada's TSN and a former NHL coach. "He didn't bury his head in the sand. He didn't stay status quo and the Lightning are a playoff threat. It may be too soon for them because they have some unproven things, but they are in a very enviable position."

"In my mind he's a strong candidate for executive of the year right now," former Lightning general manager Jay Feaster told reporters in Calgary, where he is the new assistant GM. "He's coming up aces."

Especially with the Gagne deal.

"We get a guy we absolutely needed for the top six," Boucher said. "They're hard to get. For Simon to let go of his no-trade clause shows you how much respect he has for Steve Yzerman. It's quite impressive."