Detroit Red Wings fans everywhere know of the passion of current general manager Steve Yzerman as demonstrated by the 23 years he spent leading them on the ice. That passion and drive to win has carried over into his career in the front office, having helped transform the Tampa Bay Lightning from a complete afterthought in the NHL to a yearly championship contender.
Yzerman returned to the organization he helped resurrect once before in April of 2019 in a period of transition, as they were in the midst of having not qualified for the postseason in three years. And while it has been another three years since then, there have been several building blocks set in place to set the stage for future success.
One of Yzerman's biggest managerial decisions came last offseason when he made the call not to retain Jeff Blashill for a new contract, and bring aboard former Tampa Bay Lightning assistant Derek Lalonde in his place. The two had a previous working relationship during their time together with the Bolts, so naturally, Lalonde was already well aware of Yzerman's desire for success.
“We’re in this together,” Lalonde explained. “We have to be. (Lightning coach Jon) Coop told me in taking this, Steve’s going to be demanding but that is the most important relationship. It’s been great so far."
“I love working for Steve. He’s extremely, extremely demanding, but that comes from passion. There’s no one here that wants to get this going more than him and I love that. I wouldn’t want it any other way. “
