Is Steve Yzerman the front-runner to be Tampa Bay Lightning GM? What day is it?

Is Steve Yzerman "keen" on the Lightning's GM job as AOL Fanhouse reported Wednesday, or is the Red Wings vice president more inclined to stay in Detroit as other media outlets have reported? With contradictory reports all over the place, and zero on-the-record sources, safe to day no one on the outside looking in really knows.

New Lightning owner Jeff Vinik and adviser Jac Sperling, who is heading up the search for a GM and CEO, have been diligent keeping the actual circumstances surrounding the process quiet. And when the people directly involved, on either side of the equation, will not speak on the record (or off for that matter under threat it will jeopardize their chances to be hired), speculation abounds and inconsistencies in stories are inevitable.

For example, a May 15 Ottawa Sun story said Yzerman had only "mild interest" in the Lightning's GM job and that television analyst Pierre McGuire was the front-runner. A May 16 Toronto Star story said Yzerman had pulled out completely and the Lightning's GM job is Doug Risebrough's to have. Now comes AOL Fanhouse with the news Yzerman is the front-runner.

If I was Kings assistant GM Ron Hextall or Predators assistant GM Paul Fenton, I'd be offended no one has called me a front-runner. Seems all you have to do to get that label is have your name associated with the job search.

The Lightning is taking its time, that's for sure. We know Yzerman has been interviewed, as has Risebrough, Hextall and McGuire and probably others. Until a decision is made, expect more speculation and inconsistency in the reports.