Big news out of Tampa Bay as Lightning general manager Steve Yzerman – out of the blue – has stepped down from his current role with the team to take on an advisory role. This is according to Joe Smith of The Athletic who also notes that Julien BriseBois will take over Yzerman’s role going forward.
BREAKING: Steve Yzerman told #TBLightning players in a meeting today he’s stepping aside as GM to be in advisory role, per source. BriseBois taking over as GM.
— Joe Smith (@JoeSmithTB) September 11, 2018
Yzerman reportedly told players Tuesday morning which comes at an odd time considering training camp is just days away. Named the General Manager of the Year back during the 2014-15 season, Yzerman has enjoyed a string of success with the Lightning which included one conference title, one division title and five playoff appearances.
He had one year remaining on his contract (which he’ll fulfill in that advisory role) but it’s unclear if Yzerman has other plans in the works beyond this upcoming season or if ownership was hinting at going a different direction and Yzerman was simply being proactive in his decision.
A return to Detroit?
With Yzerman presumably leaving the Lightning organization after the 2018-19 campaign let the speculation commence on a return to Detroit with the Red Wings. As it stands, the Wings have Ken Holland locked under contract for the next two seasons and Yzerman has always been mum on any return to Detroit. However it’s not like Yzerman is going to talk about any desire to go back to the Red Wings while he’s working for Tampa Bay and it’s not unheard of to fire a general manger with a year left on their contract. In fact, if you’re going to do it that would be the time.
For those speculating about Detroit, here's what we know:
– Holland signed 2-year extension with the Red Wings in April
– per @JoeSmithTB, Yzerman has one year left on his deal w/TB
– There's an internal appetite to sort out future roles for current Detroit management group— Craig Custance (@CraigCustance) September 11, 2018
For obvious reasons, Yzerman has always been reticent about talking about any future job in Detroit always deferring to his current position and focus in TB.
— Craig Custance (@CraigCustance) September 11, 2018
Then there’s this this tweet from Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press that may (or may not) give Red Wings fans boners all over Detroit.
Pertaining to @JoeSmithTB report of Steve Yzerman stepping down as GM in Tampa Bay, source tells Free Press Yzerman told Lightning players he was going home to Detroit. Has maintained area home while GM of Tampa Bay Lightning.
— Helene St. James (@HeleneStJames) September 11, 2018
Stay tuned.