The Yzerman Transition

Steve Yzerman didn’t know when he was drafted in 1983 that he was going to be forever infused in the Red Wings culture. As a draftee, there was no doubt he was excited about his future. When he became the captain of our beloved Red Wings at age 21, he probably didn’t even think a second about his future legacy.

1300 games later as captain, his legacy as the greatest team leader in North American sports history was something he probably shrugged about. Not because it was just a job. It wasn’t because he didn’t have feelings about over twenty years of being the general with the C. He probably has some of the more interesting stories to tell about fellow Wings teammates. As a member of the front office, he was a major part of forming the team that will take the ice to start the season in October.

But now it’s time to shut off the connection.

Steve Yzerman will forever be a Red Wing. Just the time put in is a good enough reason for Wings fans to love him. The captain has been the face of Detroit sports for a good part of the last thirty years. But now, he has a new challenge that does not include the red in white. He is in a very familiar position and his bosses are asking the same of him as Scotty Bowman once did.

Yzerman is the quiet leader that is rallying an organization, while taken nearly no credit for it.

It was inevitable the the captain was going to have to leave to lead a new organization’s front office. When the Lightning decided in May that our Yzerman was the man for the job, there was some mixed emotions. On one side of the spectrum, Red Wings fans wanted to root for him. On the other was a feeling of betrayal. It’s like when your favorite player gets traded to a different team.

But the fact of the matter was Yzerman’s tenure with the Red Wings front office was the equivalent of the future ace of the pitching staff maxing out at AAA. Without a doubt, it was time for the Captain to get the call to the big leagues. And just like anything he did on the ice, he was willing to make the jump. And when he took the job, he knew it was going to be a transition. Just like it was for the Red Wings organization that named him captain before the 1986-87 season.

Just like then, Yzerman now understands that turning around an organization that has been horrendous since it’s Stanley Cup winning season six years ago is going to be a process.

"“There is no easy fix. I don’t sit up here with the notion that there is a magic wand I can wave and make changes and we’re a Stanley Cup contender. I plan on making the Lightning better for the upcoming season, but the long-term goal is to make this team a perennial contender.”"

In a recent interview with Damian Cristodero of the St. Petersburg Times, Yzerman talks about the struggle and transition from one organization to another. The love for the Red Wings still runs through the veins of the former hockey star.

"When I think about being a Red Wing, it tugs at your heart, for sure. But I really love the (Lightning) job and the people I’m working with. I’m feeling more comfortable in my surroundings. This is a job I wanted. I try not to sit back and take time to really reflect on what was in Detroit. I’ve got to move ahead. I’ve got a job to do. I can’t sit back and second-guess for a minute. It’s time to move on."

It started with the hiring of head coach Guy Boucher. From there Yzerman has made a slew of changes to make this team more competitive. Though his goal isn’t to make the playoffs, Yzerman understands from previous experience that getting there is a big part of having a solid fan base year to year.

"You’ve got to give your fan base hope. Playoff hockey is the best way to market your team. It’s the best way to grow your fan base and give hope to your players and for them to develop. Everything we’ve done this summer was done with the idea of improving the team. It was not done to break things down and start over and try to get the highest draft pick we can get. It’s important to make the playoffs."

It will be weird for Red Wings fans to see Stevie that first time the Lightning and Red Wings face off in February. I’ll stand by the fact that I’m rooting for Detroit’s sports son. I hope that success is obtained this season and that Yzerman is rewarded for his decision. I hope they make it somehow to the Stanley Cup Finals.

But as much as we love you Stevie, the buck stops there. It’s Red Wings or bust in the Finals and I hope that us fans get to witness your product on the ice in the early spring.