Via Paul Kukla of Abel to Yzerman comes this from the Hockey News’s Steve Warne, who recalls the trade rumors surrounding Alexei Yashin and Steve Yzerman in 1995-1996:
Alexei Yashin remains the only Ottawa Senator to finish as a Hart Trophy finalist. He was that good, the club’s first superstar. But in 1995, the Senators felt like they needed a bigger name to help them fill their new arena, which was nearing completion at the time. Who better than Nepean native Steve Yzerman?
Sens GM Randy Sexton made the pitch to the Wings and reportedly offered up Yashin, who was still in fairly good standing with the Senators at the time.
The Wings, meanwhile, had begun to wonder if the 30-year-old Yzerman, despite his gaudy offensive numbers, would be able to lead them to the promised land. GM Scotty Bowman entertained the idea for a while, letting it known Yzerman was indeed available, much to Yzerman’s chagrin.
So both sides were interested, but it’s believed things eventually fell apart at the ownership levels. The late Mike Ilitch loved Yzerman and Sens ownership was having money issues.
It may have lit a fire under Yzerman, who played 11 more years in the NHL, becoming a more balanced player, a truly great leader, and a winner of three Stanley Cups.
Continued; it was Yashin and a 1st round pick, I believe, and the Red Wings thankfully said “no.”
