When Steve Yzerman announced stepped down as the GM of the Tampa Bay Lightning in September, people believed it was a foregone conclusion that he would return "home" to the Red Wings.
It was then reported that Yzerman had told the players for the Lightning that he would be "going home to Detroit."
As for what exactly is bringing Yzerman home, it's not yet clear. He still has one year left on his contract with the Lightning, and he accepted an advisory role with the team after resigning as GM.
It's been rumored in recent years that Yzerman, who built one of the NHL's best teams in Tampa Bay during his eight-year tenure at the helm, could return to Detroit to take over for Ken Holland as Red Wings GM. But Holland signed a two-year extension with the Wings at the end of last season.
The New York Post is reporting that Yzerman might have different thoughts about where he will go next.
This does not mean that a deal is done. It is unknown whether the Blueshirts have yet asked for or received permission from Tampa Bay to speak to Yzerman, who is serving the final year of his contract as an adviser to the Lightning owner after having stepped down last September as general manager. Such a request, if not yet made, will be forthcoming.
It does not imply the job would automatically be offered following an interview with Jim Dolan, the Garden CEO who is running the search in coordination with Sather, who on Thursday announced his retirement from day-to-day life in the hockey department.
Former Red Wings' goalie spoke with Jamie and Stoney in October and thought it was "inevitable" that Yzerman would return to Detroit.
"Me guessing? Yeah, I think it's inevitable that at some point in time he will be here. It just has to be the right moment. That's kind of how I feel," Osgood told the Jamie and Stoney Show on 97.1 The Ticket, while clarifying he hasn't spoken with Yzerman since he changed roles with the Lightning.
Would your opinion change about Yzerman if he did take the New York Rangers job.
