Steve Yzerman fires right back at critics
Photo credit: Athlon Sports
Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman made it clear that he's not concerned about outside noise and he's not considering the feelings of those who think he's moving too slowly.
It's now been a full 9 years since the Detroit Red Wings last played in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, the longest drought in team history - a staggering fact considering they were founded in 1926 and are about to celebrate their centennial season.
Since GM Steve Yzerman took over in 2019, he's now presided over 6 full years of zero playoff appearances, something that not many fans would have guessed would even be remotely possible.
While Yzerman did preach patience in his introductory press conference in April 2019, that patience has been wearing thin by fans who feel that the rebuilding process should be further along regardless of the condition the franchise was in when he received the baton from Ken Holland.
For anyone wondering if Yzerman is worried about his job security potentially being in danger, he wants you to know that he's not concerned about it - and frankly doesn't care.
That's not necessarily for me to answer, and I don't do my job worrying about whether I'm on the hot seat or not. That's (the media's) job. And to be honest with you, I don't really care what (the media) think, with all due respect. I have to do my job, and I will do my job. The Ilitch family, I report to them, and they'll make the decision if or when that comes. I'm going to continue to do my job and do what I think is right and always do what's right for the Red Wing organization.
Because of his iconic status within the organization and close relationship with the Ilitch family, Yzerman is justified in feeling secure in his role as GM despite a lack of postseason success.
What the fans think may be a different story, but as Yzerman said, he's not concerned about it.
Previously on Red Wings Insider
| POLL | ||
MAI 3 | 120 ANSWERS Steve Yzerman fires right back at critics Is Steve Yzerman rebuilding the Red Wings fast enough? | ||
| No, it's taking too long | 56 | 46.7 % |
| Be patient, it was going to take a long time | 64 | 53.3 % |
| List of polls | ||
