What does Steve Yzerman’s decision to step down as general manager in Tampa Bay mean to the Detroit Red Wings?
According to a source, Yzerman told Lightning players he was going home to Detroit. Does that mean the metro area home he’s maintained since taking the job in Tampa in 2010, or the Red Wings?
Most immediately, it would seem to indicate the former, as Yzerman has one more year left on his contract with the Lightning and Tampa Athletic reporter Joe Smith reported Yzerman will take on an advisory role with the Lightning. The Wings also re-upped general manager Ken Holland for two years in April.
But what about next summer? During a press conference in April, Holland sounded open to adding to his front office, noting the departures of former trusted advisors.
“I’m open to anything,” Holland said. “There was a period of time Jimmy Devellano lived in Detroit, he doesn’t any more. I had Jim Nill here. Steve (Yzerman) retired and we brought him on board. Scotty Bowman was a consultant. I had more voices and we had a lot of success. We won the Cup in ’08 and lost in the final in ’09. You lose people. That’s the reality when you have success, people get opportunities elsewhere.
“Ryan Martin has done a great job in his evaluation as a young executive. Runs Grand Rapids and does a fabulous job. Could we use another person that has that experience to join us? It’s something I’m considering.”
Neither Holland nor Yzerman returned calls seeking comment.
Contact Helene St. James: hstjames@freepress.com. Follow her on Twitter @helenestjames.
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