Before Jeff Vinik bought the team a few months earlier, Tampa Bay was run by a couple of cowboys, meddling and bickering owners Oren Koules and Len Barrie. For all of these reasons, Yzerman ranks No. By the end of his NHL career, he had played 1514 regular season games with the Red Wings and had amassed a total of 1755 points, scoring 692 goals and 1063 assists. After more than a week of anticipation, Detroit Red Wings executive vice president & general manager Steve Yzerman announced Tuesday that coach Jeff Blashill's contract has been extended through . And while that run ended in disappointment too as did the next years to arch-rival Colorado those years set the stage for both Yzerman and the Red Wings to take the final step. By all accounts, he was a quiet leader. All rights reserved. In the stands at last week's Detroit-Toronto game at Joe Louis Arena, thousands of fans turned up wearing his No. Follow @TBTimes_JSmith. He was drafted 4th overall by the Detroit Red Wings in the 1st round of the 1983 entry draft. He had already played more than 1,000 NHL games and statistically done enough to be a Hall of Famer and when he had finally reached the pinnacle of the sport, his teammates could see in him the joy of winning, Lidstrom said, but the relief of finally getting over the hump, too., He was the guy that, as the captain, made the greatest commitment because he had the most minutes and he had all the points, Holland said. He could be riding out his retirement in style, playing golf, signing autographs, relaxing at his northern Ontario lakefront cottage with his family. Before free agency began, the Red Wings also re-signed a couple crucial veterans who Yzerman hopes provide stability to a club that has seen a huge roster turnover the last few years. Signing up enhances your TCE experience with the ability to save items to your personal reading list, and access the interactive map. On Sunday, Detroit agreed to terms with 14-year NHL veteran defenseman Marc Staal, and on Wednesday morning, the Red Wings re-signed 14-year veteran center Sam Gagner, hours before he was set to become an unrestricted free agent. Do you have a sports website? Born: May 9,1965 inCranbrook,British Columbia ca, Draft: Detroit, 1st round (4thoverall), 1983NHLEntry, Hall of Fame: Inducted as Player2009 (FullList). Take, for example, the reddish crescent-moon dent where the bridge of his nose meets the centre of his forehead. TAMPA He often sits alone in a press box booth, his intense glare pouring through his brown eyes. "I know that winning, one way or another, isn't going to change my life.". As team captain, Yzerman was the first Red Wing to hoist the trophy since 1955. He further heaped praise on the long-term owners of the team, the Ilitch family, the 8 NHL coaches he played under during his career, and the incredible players brought in for him to play with. While the Red Wings re-signed a couple veterans who provide leadership and versatility, Detroit's roster is comprised of several talented young players looking to make their mark in the NHL. ", Video: Steve Yzerman address Red Wings free agency moves. Everybody knows that Chris Ilitch is the worst owner in sports and, to be honest, he is a complete tool. Yzerman knew he had to tell "Mr. "What I like to do isn't very exciting to anyone else," he says. And I enjoy that.". Steve Yzerman weighed 185 lbs (83 . In a rage, Yzerman spun and chopped down on Valk's stick - breaking his own in the process. Verbeek found a young Yzerman to be friendly and a bit quiet. Yzerman became a rising star, selected to be executive director of Team Canada in 2010, leading the country to the gold medal. "I was let in and he stood behind his desk, said, 'Hi Jon, I'm Steve Yzerman.' Well send you news, analysis and commentary on the Bolts weekly during the season. But while Yzerman wants to remain anonymous, he can't escape the reality of how famous he is. In the shot, Donnie smiles alongside . More. Yzerman is so central to the story of hockey in Detroit that his career has become part of the citys sports lore. And beyond the physical conflict inherent to hockey, the defensive side of the puck tends to be a natural outlet for that quality. On the franchise's Mount Rushmore, he trails only Gordie Howe, and even that's close. Statistics of Steve Yzerman, a hockey player from Cranbrook, BC born May 9 1965 who was active from 1980 to 2006. The second-best player was Mario Lemieux in his prime. "The next day, (owner Mike) Ilitch said, 'Stevie Y isn't going anywhere.' "We had a big hole there in the center position for an offensive-minded playmaker. You can sometimes catch Canadian hockey players like Steve Yzerman, Eric Lindros, Shayne Corson and Darcy Tucker chillin with family and friends as all have cottages near by. Max Bultman is a staff writer for The Athletic covering the Detroit Red Wings. He is known for The Joe: The Detroit Red Wings & Joe Louis Arena (2018), Salt Lake City 2002: XIX Olympic Winter Games (2002) and Gold Rush 2002 (2002). He'll attend his daughters' lacrosse or equestrian events, even soaking in a football Saturday in Ann Arbor for parents weekend at the University of Michigan. ", Brendan Shanahan, Yzerman's rugged left-winger and close friend, says the centreman prefers private life to the limelight. He is a member of the Hockey Hall of Fame and was named one of the 100 Greatest NHL Players presented by Molson Canadian in 2017. "Is it fun? Team Canada won gold both times. "He can go up and play on the right wing. Know when to be serious and when to show a sense of humour. But I felt like I really wanted to do this. March 3, 2023, 6:52 PM Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman: "I was not going to be a buyer under any circumstance. But he took it to another level, to the point where I believe, personally, he started to sacrifice offense.. Right now, while still one of the elite players in the league, he plans to play at least three more years and has his eyes on another Cup. He was in that weight room every day and he built up his strength. (2013). He did in Tampa," Yzerman said about Witkowski, who is a Holland, Mich. native. Joe Louis Arena was half empty. 2020-21: We're going to look at . It kind of settled the whole team down with that speech., Even though Yzerman had returned to the lineup for the playoffs, Draper said The whole playoff run, he didnt have one practice.. "All of a sudden, people are walking by and you can hear whispers, and they run around and come back with their cameraphones," Cooper said. Our reasoning for presenting offensive logos. National Hockey League (NHL) superstar Steve Yzerman, a career Detroit Red Wing known for his exceptional sportsmanship and leadership abilities, is the longest-serving captain in the league's history. "Thirty minutes are on Steve's situation," general manager Ken Holland said of the discussions. Former teammate Gerard Gallant will never forget the season opener that followed the trade rumors. 250. The organization needed a spark, and with the No. Though merely 18, Yzerman became known as one of the Red Wings' more formidable players, amassing 39 goals (a team record for a rookie) and 87 points in his first season. ". Yzerman said he's also pleased with Raymond's development and said the 19-year-old is on the right timeline to possibly join the Red Wings in the near future. "In order to be here that long, we have to have success," Yzerman said. Steve Yzerman was elected into the Hockey Hall of Fame as a Player in 2009. Played in NHL All-Star Game (1984, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1997, 2000). He could have comfortably stayed in his "lifetime" appointment as an executive with the Red Wings. 19 jersey. Then watch: he'll turtle. "We anticipate him making a really good push to play.". In 2010, during his first year as general manager of the Tampa Bay Lightning, Steve Yzerman saw how large his legend continues to resonate with Canadian hockey fans. His eldest daughter, Isabella, is 5 and excelling in soccer and ballet. He's a doting father, owning a "Michigan Dad" hat. Full Ceremony of Steve Yzerman Retirement and banner raising on January 2, 2007. "I think it was masterful," former Lightning GM Jay Feaster said of the deal. The stoic exterior masks a competitive fire raging inside of him. Welcome toNHL99,The Athletics countdown ofthe best 100 players in modern NHL history. "He was really down," Coffey said. "I have always wanted to be a general manager," he says. What doesn't kill you makes you stronger. Kris Draper saw him coming, but pretended he didnt. Steven H Hassan - Steven H Hassan CPA. Become a Stathead & surf this site ad-free. Yzerman was captain of the Detroit Red Wings . "Lucas, we have very high hopes for him," Yzerman said. To this day, Yzerman ranks seventh on the NHLs all-time scoring list with 1,755 points. He goes to games. The . And I think (its) because of his work ethic, and all those intangibles that he had as a player, hes taken to the front office. Conn Smythe Trophy (1998) He did not go to Florida - doctors made sure of that. When was Steve Yzerman born? That's the stuff he draws from. Lester B. Pearson Award/Ted Lindsay Award (1989) He singled out Scotty Bowman, telling the crowd that the coach hadnt been thanked properly for the 3 Stanley Cups that hed won in Detroit and Mr. In 1983, his bronze medal win with the Canadian team at the World Junior Championship added to the confidence of Detroit's management and Yzerman was drafted to the Red Wings. On a recent day, Verbeek who has spent more than a decade working with Yzerman in the front offices of both Tampa Bay and Detroit was asked: What is the legacy of someone who has accomplished all Yzerman has, between the statistics, the winning and the captaincy? Steve Yzerman is 57 years old. Max Bultman. Coffey, a winner of four Cups with Gretzky's Oilers and Lemieux's Penguins, sat next to the captain, who was questioning his ability and pondering his place in history. Steve Yzerman had 692 goals over his career. Bowmans second season in Detroit, for example, was a lockout-shortened 48-game season. Yzerman asked him to walk with him from the hotel to the rink. Coach Jon Cooper laughs when he recalls his interview with Yzerman, back in 2010, for the AHL coaching job. At 16, Steve Yzerman joined the Ontario Hockey League's Peterborough Petes, where scouts for the Detroit Red Wings soon took notice. Steve finished his career after 23 years in the winged-wheel of the Red Wings (the last 20 as captain), retiring as the longest-serving captain of any team in North American major league sports history. But here is Steve Yzerman, the former Red Wings iconic captain, staring down at the Amalie Arena ice, watching, analyzing a Lightning team he has molded since becoming general manager in 2010. During that campaign, just two years removed from a 58-goal season, Yzerman went through a 24-game stretch in which he had just three goals. Enter Search Term. Add a comment. At 16, Steve Yzerman joined the Ontario Hockey League's Peterborough Petes, where scouts for the Detroit Red Wings soon took notice. But in playing against Steve all those early years, Steve was always competitive defensively. Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin has signed an eight-year extension with an $8.7 million AAV, the team announced Wednesday. Pat Verbeek was one of Yzermans contemporaries in the NHL. Rumours of a trade involving Yzerman surfaced soon after, but his personal success at the 1996 World Cup endeared him to Red Wing officials once again. Steve Yzerman Born: May 9, 1965 Birthplace: Cranbrook, BC, CAN Shoots: Right Draft: 1983 DET, 1st rd, 4th pk (4th overall) View Player Bio + Follow NHL News Steve Yzerman News Yzerman. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'detroitsportsnation_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_4',894,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-detroitsportsnation_com-medrectangle-3-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'detroitsportsnation_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_5',894,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-detroitsportsnation_com-medrectangle-3-0_1'); .medrectangle-3-multi-894{border:none !important;display:block !important;float:none !important;line-height:0px;margin-bottom:7px !important;margin-left:auto !important;margin-right:auto !important;margin-top:7px !important;max-width:100% !important;min-height:50px;padding:0;text-align:center !important;}We have some absolutely stunning news to break this morning and it is going to send shockwaves through Hockeytown, along with the entire NHL. However, Yzerman famously gave a smooch to Martin Lapointe on the Kiss Cam when Brendan Shanahan would show the power winger no love. He has been GM of the Red Wings since April 19, 2019. Lived In Valley Village CA, Marietta GA, Atlanta GA, Duluth GA. Related To Phillip Jones, Terry Jones, Jennifer Jones, Stacey Jones, Summarah Jones. All rights reserved. Despite his injury, he led the Red Wings to another championship title (his third as captain). Most historical data provided by Dan Diamond and Associates. We got a little bit of a view of him at the end of the season here in Detroit. Vinik bought the Lightning in 2010, vowing to make it a "world class" organization. Fans hoping the Detroit Red Wings find another Steve Yzerman to finish off their rebuilding plan should know one will be available next June. Finally, in 1997, the Red Wings ended their Stanley Cup losing streak when they defeated the Philadelphia Flyers. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. It wasn't that way for him. If you shoot for the moon you might hit a few stars along the way. Yzerman, less than a month shy of his 50th birthday, would probably still play if he could. Yzerman, who grew up in the Ottawa suburb of Nepean, was an unknown to fans. But if the Red Wings play as well as GM Yzerman hopes they will in 2022-23 . ago] Height 5.11 -- Weight 185 [180 cm/84 kg] Drafted by Detroit Red Wings - round 1 #4 overall 1983 NHL Entry Draft Regular Season In the off-season he plays golf, and since a 1998 cycling trip to France, he and Lisa have begun a wine collection - one of the few outward indications of his $12-million-per-season salary. He wasn't considered a franchise-changing prospect like a Wayne Gretzky or Mario Lemieux. But we're starting to build something and, hopefully, we can get there and win, and just keep doing it over and over and over. "I used to live and breathe hockey all the time," Yzerman says. He loves the area and is excited about his team's nucleus, showing faith in Vinik by signing an extension last summer through 2018-19. I thought it was entertaining. August 4, 2022. The distinction is well made, but it does not detract from what he has achieved. Detroit won the next four games to beat Vancouver, then knocked out St. Louis in five games and Colorado in seven to reach the Cup Final. The force of the blast broke his nose and some other small bones, but as he was being wheeled to an ambulance headed for hospital, he called over to the Red Wings' equipment manager and said: "I think I'll need a visor on my helmet if I'm going to play in Tampa.". But most of his life is spent here, grinding away in his Amalie Arena office, traveling with the Lightning on road trips or scouting his AHL team in Syracuse. 15 on The Athletics list of the NHLs 100 greatest players of the post-expansion era. You can ZOOM and also change the views by clicking on N, E, S or W. Photos of Steve Yzerman's . "He leads," Bowman says, "by the way he plays. "The cars, you can see people slam their brakes. It's challenging, but it's a lot of fun.". Signing up enhances your TCE experience with the ability to save items to your personal reading list, and access the interactive map. Steve Yzerman is 5-11 (180 cm) tall. He took time out to honor the five other Red Wings greats he joined, three of whom Gordie Howe, Ted Lindsay and Alex Delvecchio were seated behind him. Disclaimer: This page may contain affiliate links. In some ways, it was rather practical: In 1986, he was named the youngest captain in franchise history at age 21. - Advertisement -. And although the story, like the scars, testifies to his remarkable focus and competitive spirit, it masks another truth about the man known as Stevie Y. He has also written for the Sporting News, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and South Florida Sun-Sentinel. It was mind-boggling to think he was going to put his skates on and actually go play a playoff game. Steve Yzerman Jerseys & Merchandise While a sports collection is a great way to impress friends and family at home, the best way to impress fellow fans at the game is to buy a Red Wings Detroit Steve Yzerman Jersey or stock up on Red Wings apparel items. On the golf course, Kris Draper would show up for their tee time and find Yzerman already hitting a couple of buckets of balls on the range. Some hockey portraits on this site are licensed from Images on Ice, Hockeys Photo Agency. Or write about sports? After Filip Hronek and Tyler Bertuzzi were traded ahead of Friday's deadline, just three players remain from the roster Yzerman inherited from Ken Holland in 2019: Larkin, Michael Rasmussen and. Great leadership and tough as nails.". I felt it was in his DNA.". In the six years that followed, Yzerman consistently maintained an average of over 100 points per season and, for most of those seasons, scored over 50 goals per year. Steve Yzerman spoke to the media following the 2023 NHL Trade Deadline and it is clear that the Detroit Red Wings are still in rebuild mode. Not this year." | Brad Galli has more Recommended Stories SheKnows Prince William's. And even that was not his first time finishing in the top 20 for the Selke. Should he hire an experienced GM, or a first timer? For more of Steve Yzerman's 100 Greatest Players bio, please click here. And his careers second act has been highly successful as well first working in Detroits front office under Holland, then becoming general manager in Tampa Bay, where he helped build the Lightning into an elite organization, and now returning to the Red Wings. After all, the shifty sniper from Cranbrook, B.C., by way of Nepean, Ont., is having a better season than other candidates, including Philadelphia's Eric Lindros. On Friday, the Red Wings made another move by acquiring 24-year-old center Mitchell Stephens from the Tampa Bay Lightning in exchange for a sixth-round pick in the 2022 NHL Draft. His high school sweetheart and wife of 25 years, Lisa, and three daughters, Isabella, 21, Maria, 16, and Sophie, 15, are 1,000 miles away in Michigan, where locals say he can walk on water. "He is a skilled guy. In 200102, Yzerman seriously aggravated an existing knee condition. He led without arrogance or self-indulgence, owner Mike Ilitch said. "Moritz, if he's in the top six and he's earned that spot in the top six, he'll play," Yzerman said about the German defenseman. And if we did, we would have success. ", Yzerman still has a temper. He missed all of March on the NHL schedule, returning for only the final game of the regular season before the playoffs. Yzerman figures he will stay involved even after he leaves the ice. "Marty was very, very close," said Bob Nicholson, former Team Canada president. Our reasoning for presenting offensive logos. Hes a grinder. Buy his book. We've got just what fans of all ages need in terms of authentic Steve Yzerman Jerseys, with home, away, and alternate color combinations . He started his office career with the Red Wings, but when there was no sign of supplanting long-time GM Ken Holland, Yzerman moved on to join the Tampa Bay Lightning as General Manager. Javascript is required for the selection of a player. Him and I were getting into it, and he about choked me out, Verbeek recalled, laughing. He's comfortable in the role he has. Yzerman spends most off-hours with his wife, Lisa, and three young daughters in the Detroit suburb of Bloomfield Hills, and summers at a cottage in central Ontario's Muskoka region. "Sam came into the NHL as a high draft pick who was a really offensive-minded player and we re-signed him," Yzerman said about the 2007 No. For his efforts he was awarded the Lester B. Pearson Trophy (now the Ted Lindsay Award) in 1989 as the league's most outstanding regular season player. Yzerman sat in on all the meetings, from those at the trade deadline to others with amateur scouts involving the draft. by He was doubted, nearly traded. Lightning trade Vladislav Namestnikov to San Jose. March 1, 2023, 1:19 PM. Youre down 2-0, playing on the road, almost a must-win, the Game 3, Lidstrom recalled. As for Oesterle, Yzerman said he likes the versatility that the defenseman brings to the club. But that's a long way off.". During pre-game introductions, Yzerman came out last and received a standing ovation. Advertisement. I can't think of a more Officially announced his retirement, July 3, 2006. "Wayne is the greatest player that ever played the game," said defenseman Paul Coffey, who played with Gretzky, Lemieux and Yzerman. Thank you for your support! And in Detroit, his legacy is even bigger. Draper can still see that huge smile from Yzerman, who had lifted a mountain off his shoulders. "Steve Yzerman (Profile)". "He got to play a lot and he's gotten much stronger over the last 18 months. Very responsible defensively. Steve Yzerman had 1,755 points over his career. It took 14 seasons for Yzerman to finally win a Stanley Cup, in 1997, the first of back-to-back championships. I was shocked when I found out what Chris did to Al (Sobotka), Yzerman said early Friday morning. National Hockey LeagueThe NHL website features the latest league news and statistics, video clips of game highlights, and more. "I think he's versatile. Useful player, his skating is good. The uncertainty of leaving kept me up a while. Welcome to NHL 99, The Athletic 's countdown of the best 100 players in modern NHL history . Stevie was a guy that wasn't 6-foot-6, but had the heart the size of the rink. Steve Yzerman was born on May 9, 1965. Though the Red Wings had not won a Stanley Cup in over 30 years, new, aggressive management and upcoming young stars sparked fan interest in the team. Yzerman was captain of the Detroit Red Wings from 1986 to 2006, and led the team to three Stanley Cup victories. I think that gets a little bit overstated, former Red Wings teammate and Hall of Famer Brendan Shanahan told The Athletic. A video showing why Steve Yzerman was the most respected player in the NHL.An inspiration to me and all hockey fans. "That's the meticulousness of Stevie.". When you talk about the ultimate will and determination, willing yourself through a hockey game we knew how important that game was too, and theres no way that he was going to miss it, let alone miss a shift.. Those who lived the run have visceral memories of seeing Yzerman battle through his pain that summer including having to brace on his stick to get back up after being knocked down. Welcome to NHL.com, the official site of the National Hockey League, Bienvenue LNH.com , le site officiel de la Ligue nationale de hockey, Tervetuloa NHL:n viralliselle nettisivustolle NHL.comiin, Vlkommen till NHL.com, NHL:s officiella web-sida, Vtejte na NHL.com, oficilnch strnkch National Hockey League, Vitajte na NHL.com, oficilnych strnkach National Hockey League, Willkommen auf NHL.com, der offiziellen Seite der National Hockey League, Bienvenido a NHL.com, el sitio oficial de la National Hockey League. "He's rugged, hard-nosed, he's a great person, a great leader. Order of Hockey in Canada, Hockey Canada (2014). A man can only take so much, Yzerman added. But those who had a front-row seat for Yzerman's journey said he was a shy superstar who experienced his share of scars. When the playoffs began, though, Detroit lost the first two games of its opening series against Vancouver at home. He made the greatest commitment, in my mind, when Scotty Bowman showed up, to sacrifice. Yzerman said his time with the Red Wings "greatly influenced" how he performs his job, serving as model for Tampa Bay. Stephens has earned seven points (3-4-7) in 45 games for the back-to-back Stanley Cup-champion Lightning over the last two seasons. He is known for The Joe: The Detroit Red Wings & Joe Louis Arena (2018), Salt Lake City 2002: XIX Olympic Winter Games (2002) and Gold Rush 2002 (2002).