The Tampa Bay Lightning hired former NHL player Steve Thomas as a player development consultant, the team announced. Thomas, 47, who had 421 goals and 933 points in 1,235 NHL games in a 20-year career with the Maple Leafs, Blackhawks, Islanders, Devils, Ducks and Red Wings, will monitor and oversee all of Tampa Bay's prospects.

Here is the formal announcement:

The Tampa Bay Lightning hired NHL veteran Steve Thomas as player development consultant today, Vice President and General Manager Steve Yzerman announced.

“Steve will be a great addition to the Lightning organization and we are happy he has elected to join the team,” said Yzerman upon making the announcement. “His long and successful career combine with tremendous character and personality, meaning he will be a great asset as we look to better develop our young players. He will be a big part of the long term success of the Tampa Bay Lightning.”

Thomas, 47, will oversee the development of the Lightning’s prospects in the junior and college ranks.  He will provide guidance, mentoring and support to players in the Tampa Bay system to better prepare them for professional hockey.

“I am truly excited to be a part of the Lightning organization in this capacity,” said Thomas.  “I feel that I have a lot to offer in the development of our young players, helping them make as easy a transition as possible from the junior or college ranks to the professional level.”

A native of Stockport, Great Britain, Thomas played in 1,235, career NHL games during his 20-year career (1984-04) with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Chicago Blackhawks, New York Islanders, New Jersey Devils, Anaheim Ducks and Detroit Red Wings.  He amassed 421 goals and 933 points with 1,306 penalty minutes during his career.  Thomas also appeared in 174 career Stanley Cup Playoff games, recording 54 goals and 107 points.

Thomas has two children, daughter, Lauren, and son, Christian.