Detroit Red Wings: Ken Holland remains GM but Steve Yzerman lingers

The Detroit Red Wings general manager has to answer tough questions regularly, but nothing would be more frustrating than constantly looking over your shoulder answering questions about the elephant in the room.

Can you imagine trying to focus on your work when a legend is lingering in the shadows? Well, Steve Yzerman isn’t physically lingering in the corner of Ken Holland‘s office with a rock glass and a couple of ice cubes submerged in an inch of scotch but wouldn’t that be creepy. He may not be there physically, but his name continues to float around where ever Ken Holland goes. The Detroit Red Wings organization is at a fork in the road, and they need to decide if they will continue to sputter forward with a few cylinders missing or head to Yzerman’s mechanic shop for some repairs.

Ken Holland needed to answer questions regarding his job at the Red Wings end of the season press conference and again Tuesday in Toronto before the NHL draft lottery took place. The common question was if he felt secure in Detroit with Steve Yzerman’s contract with the Tampa Bay Lightning expiring at the end of the season.

I respect Ken Holland and all that he’s accomplished with the organization I love; the man has been in the front office for four Stanley Cups while serving as the teams General Manager for three. It hasn’t all been good, but it never is, teams go up and down yet the Detroit Red Wings managed to appear in twenty-five consecutive postseasons.

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Although many folks including me will say, there were far too many one and done playoff appearances that in turn stunt the growth of the team and prolonged the rebuild for probably five more years. That can’t all be placed on Holland, if you know anything about Mike Ilitch, he took a lot of pride in that streak and wanted it to continue at all costs. The cost ends up being smack dab in the middle of a rebuild in 2019 rather than 2016.

As much as respect Ken Holland, I despise the man for all of his long-term contracts to below average players. Although he mentions the no-trade clauses allow for no trade limitations, I disagree, plus those players are forced to be protected in the NHL expansion draft. If you are thinking, “well those players won’t be selected anyway” that’s fine and dandy, but it prevents the Detroit Red Wings from protecting another young player.

I admit it’s time for a change in Motown by way of Steve Yzerman. I look at what the man has built in Tampa Bay, yet I scratch my head pondering for the real reason he decided to step down. Was it merely to spend more time with his family? Is he tired of the grind? Does he want to remain a general manager in the league? Would he rather be a senior advisor in Detroit rather than a GM? Is he really interested in the New York Rangers job? The fact is, Steve Yzerman is a quiet man who for the most part keeps to himself and until he signs somewhere (hopefully Detroit), we will never know exactly what he’s thinking.

At one point over the last week of persistent questioning, Ken Holland mentioned to the press, “why don’t you call Steve Yzerman and ask him what he’s thinking” and as everyone snickered someone said because he won’t answer our calls.

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My biggest fear isn’t whether Steve Yzerman wants to be a part of the Detroit Red Wings organization or not. I’m terrified that Chris Ilitch will be loyal to a fault and continue to employ Ken Holland regardless if he is underachieving in his role. Only time will tell I guess, but like many of you, I am starting to grow impatient waiting for a culture change within the organization.

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