Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman spoke with the media from Little Caesars Arena on the heels of the announcement that coach Jeff Blashill, assistant coach Alex Tanguay, goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic and forwards Carter Rowney and Givani Smith have all been placed in COVID protocols (joining Robby Fabbri and Michael Rasmussen):
Steve Yzerman said the Red Wings COVID cases have been nothing more than minimal symptoms.
“We just keep recalling players. Other teams have gone through this before us,” he said. pic.twitter.com/bRM7tkdyxE— Brad Galli (@BradGalli) December 18, 2021
Steve Yzerman said it is important to note that at this point no one around the league is experiencing major symptoms. Most have slight cold like symptoms. #LGRW— Daniella Bruce (@daniellabruce_) December 18, 2021
Yzerman on plans moving forward while Covid is affecting the team, “Well, we keep recalling players. Other teams have been going through it before us.” He said what’s important to note is that the players and coaches feel okay. #LGRW— Carley Johnston (@carleykjohnston) December 18, 2021
The Red Wings are encouraging all players and coaches to get a booster shot, Steve Yzerman said.— Brad Galli (@BradGalli) December 18, 2021
Yzerman on Coach Blashill being out, “This is interesting. The head coach is obviously with the team every day. Knows the players inside and out. Knows the lines, adjustments, combinations… but it shouldn’t be too bad of a transition (with Ben Simon behind the bench).” #LGRW— Carley Johnston (@carleykjohnston) December 18, 2021
The Red Wings will be without Jeff Blashill, who is in COVID protocol.
“This is interesting,” Steve Yzerman said with a bit of a laugh. He said Blashill may be on the phone or an earpiece. “I think we’ll get through it fine.”— Brad Galli (@BradGalli) December 18, 2021
He said maybe Coach Simon and Coach Blashill will have communication throughout the game, but says “it’ll be fine.” https://t.co/3RMIOEgIJG— Carley Johnston (@carleykjohnston) December 18, 2021
Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman didn’t know exact numbers but multiple players have had COVID-19 booster shot and team is encouraging everybody in organization to get it.— Helene St. James (@HeleneStJames) December 18, 2021
Yzerman says it’s his understanding that Ben Simon will be the acting head coach and Doug Houda will remain in his position, but it’s a fluid situation. #LGRW @DetroitRedWings— Carley Johnston (@carleykjohnston) December 18, 2021
Steve Yzerman said he thinks Ben Simon will be the Red Wings acting head coach tonight. Wasn’t certain if it’s Simon or Doug Houda though— Brad Galli (@BradGalli) December 18, 2021
Yzerman said it was his understanding that Ben Simon would be the acting head coach tonight. Said he still needs to confirm that after his media availability. #LGRW— Daniella Bruce (@daniellabruce_) December 18, 2021
Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman “I”m a big supporter of our our players playing” in Olympics but said he understands apprehension under pandemic circumstances.— Helene St. James (@HeleneStJames) December 18, 2021
“Nobody wants anyone to get violently ill,” Steve Yzerman said. “My perception is (our team) will do anything to get through this.”— Brad Galli (@BradGalli) December 18, 2021
