Source: Lightning owner gives “glowing recommendation” of Assistant GM Julien BriseBois to Pens ownership

The Pittsburgh Penguins have asked for permission to interview Tampa Bay Lightning Assistant GM Julien BriseBois, sources tell Inside Pittsburgh Sports. BriseBois is expected to be among the first wave of candidates to interview for the job later this week.

A source says Lightning owner Jeff Vinik has given a “glowing recommendation” of BriseBois to Penguins ownership. Vinik and Penguins co-owner Ron Burkle are said to be “good friends”, according to the source. Vinik is highly respected by Burkle and Mario Lemieux.

BriseBois like Penguins interim GM Jason Botterill, is considered one of the young rising stars among NHL executives. BriseBois has been the Lightning’s assistant GM since 2010. He spent nine seasons with the Montreal Canadiens before joining the Lightning.

In asking about BriseBois, I hear some of the same things as Botterill, great salary cap guy but a bit of an unknown regarding his eye as a talent evaluator.

Some believe if you’re going to hire an up and coming assistant GM, why wouldn’t it be Botterill?

A hiring of BriseBois could be good news for Jacques Martin. BriseBois was with the Canadiens organization for one season when Martin was the Canadiens head coach in 2009-2010.