On Twitter…
BREAKING: Steve Yzerman told #TBLightning players in a meeting today he’s stepping aside as GM to be in advisory role, per source. BriseBois taking over as GM.
— Joe Smith (@JoeSmithTB) September 11, 2018
Yzerman is in the last year of his contract. No confirmation from #tblightning, which is holding a presser at 4 p.m. with Vinik, Yzerman and BriseBois for a “major announcement.” https://t.co/cgtnysJd7F
— Joe Smith (@JoeSmithTB) September 11, 2018
#tblightning owner Jeff Vinik had been hopeful + optimistic early in the summer to sign Yzerman to an extension. I asked Yzerman during playoffs and he said “Working for Jeff has been fantastic. It’s a tremendous position and I’m grateful to have it.”
— Joe Smith (@JoeSmithTB) September 11, 2018
However, per the Athletic’s Craig Custance…
For those speculating about Detroit, here’s what we know:
– Holland signed 2-year extension with the Red Wings in April
– per @JoeSmithTB, Yzerman has one year left on his deal w/TB
– There’s an internal appetite to sort out future roles for current Detroit management group— Craig Custance (@CraigCustance) September 11, 2018
For obvious reasons, Yzerman has always been reticent about talking about any future job in Detroit always deferring to his current position and focus in TB.
— Craig Custance (@CraigCustance) September 11, 2018
I’m one of those, “He’s never coming home” folks. As far as I’m concerned, it makes little sense for Yzerman to come back to a rebuilding Red Wings team and face a Joe Dumars-level of scrutiny for every damn little move he makes, from injury call-ups to Toledo Walleye signings, when Yzerman can continue to live in relative anonymity in Tampa Bay while working with a team that has a strong chance of winning a Cup over the next 5-8 years. I don’t see him coming back, but again, that’s just me.
Let’s pray it’s not for health issues! And he is coming back to be the Wings GM!
Deep breath. Waiting for the truth.
I’ve always been on team “He’s never coming home” but today is the first time I’ve had other thoughts.
I hope you’re wrong about him “never coming home”. I’m not saying this news should have any immediate impact on the front office machinations of the Red Wings. I just want to hold out hope that in the future Steve Yzerman will return to the Red Wings. My fondest hope is when the Red Wings win the Cup again, and they will, that Steve Yzerman is part of that success.
I have to admit I am pretty nervous to find out the “Why.” Especially announces this just prior to the season’s start and that TB is a top Cup contender.
Please be good news, please be good news, please be good news!
Too late. Already going crazy about Yzerman!!!!! Stevie is coming home!
(hopefully)