Embed from Getty Images Perhaps one of the worst kept secrets in the NHL is out. At a 3:00 pm press conference the Detroit Red Wings are set to announce former Red Wings legend, 20 year captain, 3-time Stanley Cup Champion and NHL Hall of Famer Steve Yzerman as the teams general manager.
The Sporting News broke the news early this morning that former Detroit Red Wings captain Yzerman, team owner Christopher Ilitch and general manager Ken Holland will announce front office changes.
The Sporting News main hockey writer Gord Miller broke the news. In the front office reshuffle current Red Wings general manager Ken Holland will move to senior vice president, while Yzerman will assume general manger duties. Detroit Red Wings fans are in heaven right now. Very few athletes have ever meant more to the city of Detroit than Steve Yzerman.
Drafted fourth overall in 1983, Yzerman played 22 seasons all with Detroit. He is a 3 time Stanley Cup winner with two back to back in 1997 and 1998. Yzerman is a nine time All-Star and has won the Ted Lindsay Award as the NHL’s Most Outstanding Player. Also, Stevie Y has won the Conn Smythe Trophy as the Most Valuable Player in the Stanley Cup playoffs. Frank J. Selke Trophy for best defensive forward is also in Yzerman’s resume and is the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy for sportsmanship.
Yzerman also scored 100 points in six straight seasons. Steve Yzerman was general manager of the Tampa Bay Lightning from 2010 until just before this season started when he stepped down to spend more time with his family who live in Detroit Michigan.
Almost immediately after Yzerman announced he was stepping down he became the target of mass speculation that he would end up in Detroit. That only grew louder throughout the season.
The rebuilding Detroit Red Wings rebuild just got a lot more fun. Young players are set to continue strong play and Yzerman takes over with just under $17 in salary cap space and solid prospects in Grand Rapids.
Steve Yzerman built the Tampa Bay Lightning from the ground up. They enjoyed a highly successful seasons and playoff run under Steve Yzerman. There was never really any doubt he would return to the Motor City. This time he does not have as much work to do as the young Red Wings have developed in a big way.
This is great news for the future of the Red Wings organization. The only one Steve Yzerman loves.
I found the best website for newest updates. Glad Stevie Y. is home!