Steve Yzerman's fate as Detroit Red Wings general manager confirmed: Christ Ilitch issues a major statement
Photo credit: NHL.com
Detroit Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman's fate with the Detroit Red Wings has been confirmed following his training camp introduction interview on September 17.
Going on potentially 10 seasons without Detroit Red Wings playoff hockey, many have called for Yzerman to be relieved of his duties.
It's understandable for fans to be frustrated; with such a rich history and franchise, how did the Red Wings fall off so easily?
Many fingers are being pointed at Yzerman for not icing a competitive playoff team each season, leading to their summers starting early for nine straight seasons.
Even Dylan Larkin let his true feelings on Yzerman be known during his season-ending press conference, highlighting the lack of moves made during the trade deadline period, which ultimately led to the Red Wings remaining out of a playoff spot.
Red Wings' Christopher Ilitch sends a clear message on Steve Yzerman's fate as general manager
In today's training camp press conference, Yzerman highlighted the ownership's support of his current progress when asked if he's afraid his job may be on the line.
"Well, i see progress in the organization. I look at it differently than you look at it, you just want us to make the playoffs. I look at the young players coming into the organization. I'm hopeful that maybe 1-2 of them at the start get into our lineup, or at some point during the season."
- Steve Yzerman
- Steve Yzerman
Yzerman than spoke on his relationship with the ownership group, speaking very confidently that his job as Red Wings general manager is not at risk.
The 60-year-old general manager confirmed that he will not be fired.
"Chris and i have spoken going back to hiring me that it's going to be a long time. We're gonna be patient. We're going to let our young players to develop. And we're going to rely heavily on the draft. Is it 4, is it 5, is it 10? How many years is it supposed to take. Chris and i have spoken, and he's understood the process and understands we're at."
- Steve Yzerman
- Steve Yzerman
Despite impatience from the fan base, the ownership group is clearly comfortable with it.
Yzerman himself revealed that there's still a long way to go, which may cause more frustration amongst the irritated Red Wings fan base.
In an odd turn of events, he also ruled out the odds of this organization becoming a dynasty once again, under his ownership.
"I'm not trying to build a dynasty, if that ever happens god will we ever be thrilled, trying to build a team that competes for a stanley cup and can win a stanley cup. im going to do what i think is right. Each draft and trade deadline my goal is to improve our team."
- Steve Yzerman
- Steve Yzerman
With the regular season schedule already released, fans can buckle up for some high intensity hockey in the coming weeks.
Previously on Red Wings Insider
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 17 | 1295 ANSWERS Steve Yzerman's fate as Detroit Red Wings general manager confirmed: Christ Ilitch issues a major statement Do you think Steve Yzerman deserves to be fired if the Detroit Red Wings fail to make the playoffs in the upcoming 2025-26 NHL season? | ||
| Yes | 407 | 31.4 % |
| Maybe | 225 | 17.4 % |
| No | 593 | 45.8 % |
| Should've already been let go | 70 | 5.4 % |
| List of polls | ||
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