Tag: Steve Yzerman

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Detroit Red Wings making scouting changes

Embed from Getty Images When the Detroit Red Wings introduced Steve Yzerman as team general manager back in April, Yzerman spoke at length about how he trusts his scouts. While the Wings legend does his own scouting, he values his scouts and counts on them heavily for input.

Steve Yzerman made the choice to  release amateur scouting director Tyler Wright and chief amateur scout Jeff Finley. “Our contracts were not renewed,” said Finley, who scouted for 10 years with the Wings. “Steve (Yzerman) said basically they had different plans. It’s the nature of the business, putting your own people in place. We’ve had a few high draft picks lately in Detroit and we feel we’ve made good picks.”

Finley said Wright and former Detroit pro scout Archie Henderson were hired last Thursday by former Wings GM Ken Holland in Edmonton. Detroit assistant GM Chris Draper  is among the candidates to replace Tyler Wright as the team’s director of amateur scouting.

What is the underling factor in the scouting department shakeup is, the fact Yzerman is used to working with his people he has a history with so he began the process of bringing in his people. The same people whom he trusted in Tampa Bay. Tampa Bay was a top five team during Yzerman’s time as Lightning GM.

Pat Verbeek, Yzerman’s main and most trusted confidant’s while with the Lightning was the first brought in to Detroit. Yzerman also hired his brother, Chris, and booted Glenn Merkosky, who’d been scouting for the Wings since 1999.

Steve Yzerman hinted more changes are coming. But this is a big first move. One that should bay high dividends for the Red Wings moving forward. While the former Red Wings scouts did have some solid draft picks, it became clear during this past NHL amateur draft Yzerman drafted 3 defensive players with Detroit’s first four draft picks. A clear sign Yzerman was not all that thrilled the organization is forward heavy.

Perhaps, this was Yzerman’s plan all along. But he did allow the released scouts the chance to work and attend the draft. What happened at the draft is anyone’s guess.

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Detroit Red Wings: The Yzerman way

Embed from Getty Images Steve Yzerman  worked wonders for a rebuilding Tampa Bay Lightning team and organization. He did it through shrewd trades, contract buyouts and outstanding draft picks. Yzerman has recently said he does not believe you can build a team through free agency. So how does one of the best general managers in sports build his team for prolong success? Let us take a closer look.

To see how Detroit Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman is building the Detroit Red Wings, we need to look at the Tampa Bay Lightning roster. Doing this will give a strong indication of where he is taking the Red Wings.

Much like when he took over the Red Wings, Tampa Bay had some nice young players who are now the core of the Lightning’s roster. Steve Stamkos was already in Tampa when Yzerman arrived. That is a nice place to start. Defensive star Victor Hedman was also there.

Yzerman then got to work. One of the best at drafting hidden talent. Yzerman quickly amassed outstanding talent which aided the Lightning’s then rebuild. One thing Steve Yzerman did not do, sign big name free agents. Why not? The reason is free agents give a quick fix, much like a band-aid. Free agents do not equate to long term success.

Yzerman is a big, huge believer in team chemistry. Allowing young players the opportunity to play and grow together. After all, that is what Yzerman was exposed to when he played for the Red Wings.

Detroit has already let young players gel together. Dylan Larkin, Andreas Athanasiou, Tyler Bertuzzi, Anthony Mantha, Dennis Cholowski, Filip Hronek. Those players have all been together for two seasons. So soon to be Red Wings Joe Veleno and Filip Zadina will add to the Red Wings offensive fire power.

Yzerman struck again in his first draft as Red Wings GM. Taking Moritz Seider in the first round. Many fans and media were caught off guard. Last week at Red Wings developmental camp Seider stood out. In a good way mind you. He skates very well for a big man and is able to create in the offensive end Seider looks like the franchise defenseman the Wings so desperately need.

It is safe to say, once Yzerman has the young players he deems to be ready to take the next step, he will add bigger name free agents. It is also safe to say he will not sign any big name free agents. Yzerman as good as he was as a player (see NHL Hall of Fame) does not want the drama some players bring.

Right or wrong, Yzerman has a solid history of putting Stanley Cup caliber teams on the ice. This is what has come to Motown.

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Detroit Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman does not think you can “build a team through free agency”

Embed from Getty Images On April 19, 2019, Steve Yzerman was named general manager of the Detroit Red Wings. He outlined his plans for getting the Red Wings closer to competitive hockey again. Yzerman’s main theme was patience. Given the salary cap room the Detroit Red Wings have fans and media were taken back.

When Ken Holland was overseer of the Detroit hockey team, he did believe in the draft to a certain degree. Holland also had no issue with trading draft picks for proven NHL talent.  For a rebuilding team draft picks are a premium.

This year the Detroit Red Wings have 6 picks in the 2019 NHL draft. Steve Yzerman further detailed his plans and thoughts as to how to build a solid team. “The draft is so important. You have to acquire your talent some way. To do it through unrestricted free agency, you’re not going to build a team that way. At least I don’t think you can build a team that way.”

YES! Red Wings fans should rejoice. Yzerman is dead right. To build a team, a team that will have sustainable success it must be done by building the core players. Not throwing money at players and hoping they can get you to the playoffs.

Then Yzerman showed why he is one of the very best general managers in sports today when he gave one of his secrets away, “I’ve never used free agency to make a splash. I’m not trying to make a splash, I’m trying to build a good team.”

Detroit fans and media need to come to an understanding, Just because there is cap space available does not mean it has to be spent. At least not right away. It is okay to hold onto the cap space. Yzerman is so good at what he does because he and his scouts collectively and selectively improve the team as needed. When he was general manager in Tampa Bay, as good as the Lightning are, Yzerman never went for a big name on the open market.

One thing that must be made clear is Steve Yzerman has never had a problem trading players. That includes big name players and fan favorite players. Remember the Red Wings legend said that he is trying to build a good team. That means anything and anyone goes. Sure the Red Wings have a couple “untouchables.” Dylan Larkin and Filip Zadina are two players that will not go anywhere.

However, Anthony Mantha and others are fair game. If the return is greater than the player, Yzerman will make a move. Given his tract record, his team will be better and Yzerman will not bat an eye.

This is what has come to Hockeytown.

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Who could stay and who could go on the Detroit Red Wings roster

Embed from Getty Images The Detroit Red Wings, new general manager Steve Yzerman, with solid prospects and a lot of salary cap room  likely will be looking to make some moves to improve his roster.

Yzerman said at his introductory press conference to not expect any big, splashy moves early in his tenure, he wants to let his young players continue to develop. Yzerman thinks the bigger moves might be in a year or two, when the youngsters are closer to being ready to contend.  It wouldn’t be surprising to see Yzerman do some tweaking this offseason, in an effort to strengthen the roster.

Forwards Andreas Athanasiou and Anthony Mantha would net big returns if Yzerman goes the trade rout. So before any trade is rumored let’s see who could stay and who could go.

Jonathan Bernier, goalie,

His season would probably leave many to wonder why Bernier is in this category. But with two more years left on his contract, and no Wings prospect close to the NHL, Bernier will return. Bernier is a proven NHL goaltender, though he’ll have to be better next season. He’s staying

Tyler Bertuzzi, Forward,

Bertuzzi does not excel with jaw-dropping plays. He accomplishes things in a “greasy” style that makes him capable of blending with any line coach Jeff Blashill puts him on. Bertuzzi is a long-term presence on this roster.  He’s staying

Trevor Daley, Defense,

 Daley could not stay healthy last season and with only one year left on his contract, he is not likely to remain in the organization beyond that. He could be a nice acquisition for a contender at the deadline. He leaves at the trade deadline.

Also staying for sure will be:

Madison Bowey, D, Danny DeKeyser, D, Christoffer Ehn, F, Darren Helm, F, Taro Hirose, F, Michael Rasmussen, F, Filip Hronek, D, Dylan Larkin, F, Frans Nielsen, F, Andreas Athanasiou, F, Luke Glendening, F, Anthony Mantha, F, Evgeny Svechnikov, F.

Should be gone one way or another but may not be:

Justin Abdelkader, F

Gone at least by the trade deadline:

Jonathan Ericsson, D, Mike Green, D

Gone because likely retiring:

Niklas Kronwall, D

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Steve Yzerman has hired Pat Verbeek as an assistant general manager for the Detroit Red Wings

Embed from Getty Images In  latest in what has been a series of front office shakeups that include Ken Holland accepting the general manager position in Edmonton, Detroit Red Wings executive vice president and general manager Steve Yzerman has brought his right hand man from Tampa Bay with him. In what is a very good move for the Red Wings organization.

Pat Verbeek arrives in Detroit as assistant general manager. Verbeek, 54, brings 13 years of experience to the Red Wings’ front office, he returns to Detroit after starting his post playing days as a professional scout for the Red Wings, working four seasons in the position from 2006-10.

Pat Verbeek joined the Lightning shortly after Yzerman was hired in Tampa Bay. During his time with the Lightning organization Pat was in charge of player recruiting and contract negotiations and overall support to Tampa Bay’s hockey operations department and general manager.

“Pat Verbeek is one of the brightest minds and hardest workers in the game and has been a trusted and valued resource to me throughout my management career,” said Steve Yzerman. “He played a pivotal role in helping build the Lightning into a Stanley Cup contender throughout his tenure with the organization. I’m very excited to have Pat on board in Detroit and look forward to continuing to work alongside him.”

Upon his Detroit Red Wings general manager press conference Yzerman said he like to surround himself with good strong people. This is an absolute home run hire for both Yzerman and the Detroit Red Wings. Verbeek has made a name for himself and should get a general managers job for himself very soon.

“I’m very excited to return to the Red Wings,” said Verbeek. “I want to thank the Ilitch family.” Pat said in a statement.  “I believe there is an exciting young core here in Detroit, and I’m looking forward to working with the rest of the hockey operations staff to get this team back into contention.” The statment concluded.

Pat Verbeek played 1,424 games in his NHL career, totaling 1,063 points (521 goals, 541 assists), and 2,095 penalty minutes, helping him earn the nickname “Little Ball of Hate.” His playing career included two seasons with the Red Wings, where he collected 78 points (37 goals) from 1999-2001.

 

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Highlights from Steve Yzerman’s press conference

Embed from Getty Images Steve Yzerman mania has swept across the entire State of Michigan and his return to the Detroit Red Wings has sent ripples across the NHL. His introduction as Red Wings executive vice president and general manger yesterday doubled as a coming home celebration as well.

The prodigal son returns, a fitting analogy on Easter Weekend. Yet that is how Detroiters view Yzerman’s return. He learned the everyday running of the front office in Detroit, then headed to Tampa Bay to apply what he learned. Turning Tampa into an NHL juggernaut (at least during the regular season.) He returned because as he said “I want to live in Detroit.”

Steve Yzerman is the jolt of lightning Detroit sports needs right now. He is proven. He is easily one of the top three general managers in the NHL. Detroit Tigers and Red Wings owner Christopher Ilitch made the only decision that was right. 36 years ago Christopher’s father Mike Ilitch welcomed Yzerman to Detroit upon drafting. 36 years later, Christopher was there to welcome him back.

“To come back to the Red Wings for me was not a difficult decision, I like being a GM, I like being in charge” Yzerman said. Other teams have called him. He was linked to the Edmonton Oilers and New York Rangers. Steve Yzerman turned down both franchises interview requests.

“We have a lot of work to do.” Yzerman fired off speaking about the rebuild the Red Wings are currently in the middle of. “Rebuilds are not fun. For the fans, players, coaches and front office.” Something both Ilitch and Ken Holland have been saying. But coming from Yzerman fans received it better.

Saying the Tampa Bay Lightning not lifting a Stanley Cup was disappointing, Yzerman quickly said it has motivated him in Detroit. “This is a city that expects to win, that is pressure right there.”

Stevie Y also said “it is going to take time” multiple times during the press conference. It was refreshing to not hear “trust the process.” Make no mistake Steve Yzerman is a very aggressive general manager. He will waste zero time getting to know the Red Wings roster and contracts as well as minor league affiliates.

Yzerman said he will honor the contract extension of head coach Jeff Blashill. He will also buy out contracts if he thinks there are some minor league players ready to help the Wings.

“Dylan Larkin, Anthony Mantha, Andreas Athanasiou, Tyler Bertuzzi and Filip Hronek, I believe are a good foundation for a good core of player. It’s time for me to get to work.”

Steve Yzerman is back home in Detroit. The Red Wings are in great hands.

 

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Welcome home Stevie Y

Embed from Getty Images Perhaps one of the worst kept secrets in the NHL is out. At a 3:00 pm press conference the Detroit Red Wings are set to announce former Red Wings legend, 20 year captain, 3-time Stanley Cup Champion and  NHL Hall of Famer Steve Yzerman as the teams general manager.

The Sporting News broke the news early this morning that former Detroit Red Wings captain Yzerman, team owner Christopher Ilitch and general manager Ken Holland will announce front office changes.

The Sporting News main hockey writer Gord Miller broke the news. In the front office reshuffle current Red Wings general manager Ken Holland will move to senior vice president, while Yzerman will assume general manger duties. Detroit Red Wings fans are in heaven right now. Very few athletes have ever meant more to the city of Detroit than Steve Yzerman.

Drafted fourth overall in 1983, Yzerman played 22 seasons all with Detroit. He is a 3 time Stanley Cup winner with two back to back in 1997 and 1998. Yzerman is a nine time All-Star and has won the Ted Lindsay Award as the NHL’s Most Outstanding Player. Also, Stevie Y has won the Conn Smythe Trophy as the Most Valuable Player in the Stanley Cup playoffs. Frank J. Selke Trophy for best defensive forward is also in Yzerman’s resume and is the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy for sportsmanship.

Yzerman also scored 100 points in six straight seasons. Steve Yzerman was general manager of the Tampa Bay Lightning from 2010 until just before this season started when he stepped down to spend more time with his family who live in Detroit Michigan.

Almost immediately after Yzerman announced he was stepping down he became the target of mass speculation that he would end up in Detroit. That only  grew louder throughout the season.

The rebuilding Detroit Red Wings rebuild just got a lot more fun. Young players are set to continue strong play and Yzerman takes over with just under $17 in salary cap space and solid prospects in Grand Rapids.

Steve Yzerman built the Tampa Bay Lightning from the ground up. They enjoyed a highly successful seasons and playoff run under Steve Yzerman. There was never really any doubt he would return to the Motor City. This time he does not have as much work to do as the young Red Wings have developed in a big way.

This is great news for the future of the Red Wings organization. The only one Steve Yzerman loves.

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Christopher Ilitch mum of possible Detroit Red Wings reunion with Steve Yzerman

Embed from Getty Images In case you missed it. Before NHL training camps opened on the 2018-19 season Tampa Bay Lightning general manger Steve Yzerman announced he was stepping down. Not only did he announce it he said he was headed back to Detroit. Causing a frenzy in Motown.

Stating he was tired of trying to tend to his family and flying back and forth between Detroit and Tampa Florida. Detroit Red Wings legend and 20 year captain Steve Yzerman sent a shock wave through the league.

Yzerman who is widely thought of as one of if not the top general manager in hockey was making himself a free agent. One thing. It seems like the only place he is willing to go is the general managers chair in Detroit.

It is known that Yzerman was asked and said no to both the Philadelphia Flyers and Edmonton Oilers general managers jobs when they opened a few months ago. Leaving the Flyers owner to say “I think it’s clear he wants to be in Detroit.”

When asked point blank if he has reached out to Yzerman, Detroit Red Wings owner Christopher Ilitch said “No, we have not done that. He is under contract and we generally have a rule within our organization not talking about executives are others who are under contract with another organization.”

That seemed like it was disheartening news to hear. Until Ilitch offered something so small yet so powerfully telling, “There’s not a lot I can say about that other the I know his contract is expiring this summer, and leave it at that.”

So let us take a closer look at that. Ilitch said he has not contacted Yzerman. Fair enough. He really does not need to. It is clear the owner is keeping tabs on the Detroit legend. He acknowledged he knows his contract is expiring.

Throw in the fact Steve Yzerman has already turned down two job opportunities and is known to want to stay in Detroit. Ilitch does not need to approach him now. Simply wait until June 1 when Yzerman’s Lightning obligations are done.

Ken Holland will be in the final year of his two year contract with the Red Wings. He may not get the last year if Christopher Ilitch turns to Yzerman. Which seems likely to happen.