Many assumed Yzerman's job this summer would be fairly easy; the Lightning core is sticking around, throw some money at Stamkos, sign some AHL guys, make some draft picks. But with a lower-than-expected NHL salary cap, things become much more complicated.
The NHL and NHLPA have announced that the upper limit for the salary cap for the 2015-16 season will be $71.4 million. This is lower than the $73-$75 million upper limit that was being projected at the beginning of the just-completed 14-15 season, but we've been hearing around $71 million for a few months now. There will be some challenges for Tampa Bay Lightning General Manager Steve Yzerman to deal with as he prepares the roster for next season.