Rumor: Red Wings eyeing Yzerman?

It’s no secret that Detroit Red Wings GM Ken Holland does not have a contract with the team beyond this season. The architect behind some of the best teams in NHL history could be out of a job this summer as a result of some botched contract signings, some weak drafting and an overall lack of direction from the team’s management staff.

So, who might ownership peg to clean up the mess? How about former Wings superstar Steve Yzerman? According to a rumor from Sportsnet’s Chris Johnston, some people have casually linked Yzerman, currently the GM of the league leading Tampa Bay Lightning, back to the Wings. 

For what it’s worth, Johnston’s Sportsnet colleague Elliotte Friedman couldn’t get Yzerman to deny the possibility either:

Asked Yzerman last year about the possibility of going back to Detroit and all Yzerman would say is that he is the GM of the Lightning.

Interesting. While Stevie Y would obviously be welcomed back to Detroit with open arms, why would he leave a franchise that he has spent so much time and energy to build from he ground up. The Lightning look poised to contend for the Stanley Cup every year for at least the next five years with players like Steven Stamkos, Nikita Kucherov, Victor Hedman and Andrei Vasilevsky all under contract. Besides nostalgic reasons, why would Yzerman feel compelled to return to Detroit.

Then again… he saved the franchise once, maybe he’ll make it his mission to save it once more. Help us, Stevie!