The longer the Lightning’s search for a general manager continues, the more names you are likely to hear that may or may not be involved. One that seems to make sense is Mike Santos, the Predators director of hockey operations.  And Santos said he is interested.

“I haven’t reached out to them, nor have I had anyone contact me,” Santos said. “(But) if they were interested in me, I’d be thrilled. … I’d probably be a good fit because I’m an analytical-type guy. I think that’s what would interest them about me is my background.”

Santos was assistant general manager for the Islanders, and in 2002 was the Panthers director of hockey operations and corporate counsel. During four seasons with the Predators, Santos, a lawyer, handled scouting, contracts, arbitration and payroll management. He also has had a home in Tampa for about 10 years.

As Nashville’s southeast scout, Santos said he caught about 25 to 30 Lightning games this season. Finally, Santos interviewed last year for the Wild’s GM job. Helping conduct those interviews was Jac Sperling, the Wild’s former alternate governor who is heading Tampa Bay’s GM and CEO searches.

It’s been a tough go lately in the GM search. Maple Leafs assistant Dave Nonis got a contract extension. Red Wings vice president Steve Yzerman, whom many assumed had the job if he wanted it, seems more inclined to stay in Detroit. That's the scuttlebutt, anyway, though it has not been confirmed.

Tampa Bay also has spoken to former Flames GM Doug Risebrough, Kings assistant GM Ron Hextall and television analyst Pierre McGuire. There has been speculation that Predators assistant GM Paul Fenton is in the mix, but he has denied any contact.

So did Santos, but he also was clear about his interest.