Lightning Owner Jeff Vinik's team is "one of many businesses hit hard by the pandemic," according to a Q&A with Joe Smith of THE ATHLETIC. Vinik said, "We're losing a shitload of money, to be honest. But our challenges pale in comparison to the tens of millions of people in this country who are challenged to put food on their tables." On why it makes sense to finish the season, Vinik said, "It's critical for our fans, for our players, if possible, for the entire hockey community to see hockey played this year and not have a 6-9 month break before next season starts. The best way to market an asset and grow the audience is having it [in] front of people and having it on TV." Below are excerpts from the Q&A, some of which have been edited for clarity and brevity:
Q: The Lightning did not layoff or furlough employees or enact pay cuts when it came to full-time staff. Why was that important for you?
Vinik: We had discussions about what to do with staff, whether we should furlough some employees or cut back salaries for some employees and frankly we had plans to do that. And at the 11th hour, I just couldn't do it. ... And honestly the savings for it had we made those cuts were just not that significant relative to our losses. We didn't go ahead with it and I'm confident it was the right decision.
Q: When do you expect to see fans in the stands at Amalie Arena again?
Vinik: I'm optimistic, again, I believe we're going to see fans all of next season. ... I don't think we should underestimate how well we are able to manage the virus and get back closer to our everyday lives, so I'm quite optimistic we'll have fans in the building when it comes to next season.
Q: Do you think the NHL can pull it off?
Vinik: [NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman] and [NHLPA Exec Dir] Donald Fehr ... did a spectacular job navigating a whole host of issues to get us where we are right now. We have to take some encouragement from the other bubbles that are going on in the NBA, MLS, women's soccer, women's basketball. I think they're all going very, very well. Not perfect, but very well. That gives us encouragement that ... there's a good chance we can pull this off and get to the Stanley Cup (THEATHLETIC.com, 8/3).
