With the formal announcement coming later today ( Tuesday ) that Steve Yzerman is the new general manager of the Tampa Bay Lightning, there is probably no one , outside of his family, who is happier for him, than Red Wings executive vice president, Jim Devellano. The former Detroit general manager, who drafted Yzerman 4th in 1983, told latenightvampire.com, that this is a “terrific opportunity” for the long time Wings captain, who Devellano says , has wanted to be a general manager for some time. He feels that Yzerman’s 27 years with the team, including the last 5 in a management capacity, give him the background he needs to succeed with the Lightning, and that he will be able to cope with all the challenges he will encounter, as the general manager in Tampa.
Devellano stated that the former Peterborough Petes junior, had worked with the entire Detroit management team, including Ken Holland(general manager), Jim Nill,( assistant general manager), and Devellano, in all aspects of NHL team management. Devellano specifically pointed out that the 2009 Hall of Famer, had been involved with the Wings, in both pro and amateur scouting, as well as contract signings, and player recruitment, both pro and amateur, which Devellano says are the most important elements in managing a National Hockey League team. Devellano also feels that Yzerman’s experience in assembling and managing Team Canada, for the Winter Games in Vancouver, and for the 2007 IIHF championship, was helpful for the Cranbrook, B.C. native , in terms of the challenge ahead of him in central Florida. Yzerman is “pretty bright” as a management type, says Devellano. He feels that Yzerman will enjoy working for the new Lightning owner, Jeff Vinik, who he says the NHL is “thrilled to have”, as the owner in Tampa. Devellano was pleased that Yzerman has a 5 year deal with the Tampa Bay. He added that he’s confident, that when the Lightning are” good on the ice, they will be good at the box office”, which has been the case previously.
Yzerman’s long list of other credentials, include his 20 years, 19 seasons,( 1986-2006) as captain of the Wings, and 3 Stanley Cup championships ( 1997, 1998, and 2002 ) with the team. He has won the Conn Smythe (1998), Selke (2000),Lester B. Pearson ( 1989) and Masterton (2003) trophies. He won a gold medal with Team Canada at the 2002 Winter games in Salt Lake City. Yzerman is a ten time NHL All Star, and is the league’s 6th all time leading scorer.