FYI from the press conference in which Steve Yzerman announced that he’s stepping down as the Tampa Bay Lightning’s GM, and will stay on as an advisor:
Asked if he wants to be in Tampa Bay long term, Yzerman said he’s 100-percent committed to this season and declines to discuss it further. BriseBois said he would like Yzerman to stay beyond this season.
— Nick Cotsonika (@cotsonika) September 11, 2018
Yzerman said at this point, he had to make a decision to sign another contract. With some time to reflect, it was hard to be with his family and do the job the way he feels it needs to be done.
— Nick Cotsonika (@cotsonika) September 11, 2018
Steve Yzerman on future beyond this season: Says he’s 100% committed to his role as advisor with TBL. “After that, I don’t know.”
— Helene St. James (@HeleneStJames) September 11, 2018
So Yzerman had to decide whether to sign an extension with Tampa Bay. He wasn’t willing to sign. He’ll spend this season as a senior advisor, run out his contract and see what happens. The speculation from there is obvious.
— Nick Cotsonika (@cotsonika) September 11, 2018
“Beyond this year I don’t have an answer for you.” – Yzerman, on whether he’ll stay in Tampa beyond this season
— Ted Kulfan (@tkulfan) September 11, 2018
Update: Here’s the full press conference, from Sportsnet. Watch and decide for yourself:
Well thus far it doesn’t sound like health reasons.
Damn I hate when people make things clear as mud.
I did not realize it was such a logistical strain for Stevie Y and family – that he’s been so pulled between two places.
From a very distant perspective it sure seemed Tampa was an ideal situation for him and one he was obviously handling very well. Unfinished business but an open window to contend for years. Plus everything else that would make Florida a nice place to live and work. Just seemed a really good fit. Which made me happy for him! And also made pining for a return seem foolish.
Maybe a return to the Wings still won’t happen. But what an unexpected turn of events.
He had always made it clear Detroit was his home and he wasn’t selling his home. Can’t imagine how hard that has been on him and his family.
I do feel like this was always his intention. Go out, prove something to himself and the rest of the hockey world, and then return home. Everything is just lined up so perfectly. Holland next season will also be advisor or given another role for the year, then he can decide if he is happy with that role or wants to go be GM in Seattle.