Lightning make it official, hire Melrose as new coach

Melrose coached Los Angeles from 1992-95. In his first season, he helped the Wayne Gretzky-led Kings to the Stanley Cup finals, where they lost to the Montreal Canadiens. He spent the past 12 years at ESPN.

He said his time in television enabled him to get a good read on what works and doesn't work in the NHL, as well as "a handle on the players that I would love to have in our organization when deals are made."

Koules and Barrie, the primary investors in a group purchasing the Lightning for $206 million, have vowed to be "shockingly aggressive" in free agency to upgrade the roster and surround No. 1 draft pick Stamkos with players who can help him be successful.

They intend to be hands-on owners, and Melrose said that's OK.

"I'd much rather have people in charge who care, than people in charge who don't care," the coach said.

The decision to hire Melrose was the worst-kept secret in hockey. By the time Tortorella was dismissed June 3, it was a foregone conclusion the job was his.

Gretzky was asked about the expected return last weekend during the NHL draft in Ottawa.

"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. It's not the same as being in a place like Montreal or Toronto. His experience of being in L.A. and dealing with that, this will be a real positive. He'll do a tremendous job."

Melrose is eager to prove he's still got it.

"I'm not a bystander. I've never been a bystander in my life," he said. "I hate to be a guy on the outside looking in. I want to be on the inside again."

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