Many people were not expecting Steve Yzerman’s new position with the organization.
When they said previously this summer that they would be relieving Steve Yzerman of his GM duties going forward, the Detroit Red Wings caught a lot of people off guard. The action was unexpected just because Yzerman was formerly thought to be impenetrable in his position as Red Wings GM, but this was balanced by the announcement’s disclosure that Yzerman would continue to serve the team in an advising capacity.
While many suspected at the time that this would allow Yzerman to maintain some level of influence over the Red Wings hockey operations, it now sounds like nothing could be further from the truth.
NHL insider Elliotte Friedman recently disclosed on the NHL Network that the Red Wings have notified potential replacements for Yzerman that they will have complete independence in their choices if they accept the position.
Friedman stated, “From what I understand, the Red Wings are really committed to ensuring that candidates understand they will have autonomy.” “The announcement at first discussed Steve Yzerman’s potential future involvement, but that won’t happen regarding hockey activities.”
Friedman even reiterated his statement, disclosing that some people he had spoken with believed Yzerman would have some influence, making it quite clear that Yzerman’s time influencing the Detroit Red Wings’ hockey operations is done.
“That is not going to be the case, according to certain individuals I spoke with who took it to mean that Steve Yzerman would continue to play a role in hockey operations.”
This may be the best move for all parties involved, given the outright animosity that Yzerman, a franchise icon, was starting to inspire in some supporters.
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