Abel to Yzerman
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Talent Overflow
by IwoCPO on 08/21/08 at 02:34 PM ET
Comments (82)
Nope. I’m not talking about the roster. I’m talking front office.
While the Diggers napped, Craig Custance stirred a little vinegar in your coffee this morning. The Emperor found it at the Sporting News Today (fancy).
Paul broke this Holland quote out, “He’s probably getting to the point where he’s just about ready to run his own team.” If you didn’t click, you might have missed the next line from Tick Tock regarding Steve Yzerman.
“He wanted to come in, spend some time and see how we do it.”
Now that? That would be the first time I’ve read anything, anywhere, indicating The Captain’s tenure in the Wings’ executive suite is—and always has been—considered temporary. The idea that Yzerman’s been getting OJT from Holland, and planning a departure to lead another team? Troublesome.
Oh, it’s always been kind of a tummyache we didn’t want to talk about. I mean, how long could this situation last? Holland as GM, Yzerman as “alternate governor.” Yep, Vice President/Alternate Governor. That’s how he’s listed in the organ-I-zational chart.
And Tick Tock? Well, he’s an “executive” vice president. And he’s a GM and he’s also an “alternate governor.” There’s a few more VP’s, you know. A buttload of ‘em.
Christopher Ilitch Vice President, Red Wings; President & CEO, Ilitch Holdings, Inc.
Jim Devellano Senior Vice-President/Alternate Governor
Steve Yzerman Vice President/Alternate Governor
Robert E. Carr General Counsel/Alternate Governor
Ken Holland Executive Vice President/General Manager/Alternate Governor
Jim Nill Vice President/Assistant General Manager
Steve Violetta Senior Vice President of Business Affairs
Paul MacDonald Vice President of Finance
I took a look at a few other teams’ websites, just to see how their top execs are listed. I was curious if the Wings were the only team with a whole bunch of VP’s but no President. Sure enough, of the five I quickly glanced at all had Presidents, Senior Advisors or other glorious titles that separated one guy—like Harry Sinden—from the rest of the suits.
Because I’m wondering. I’m wondering what’s coming down the pike when Yzerman finally decides he’s been Tick Tock’s protege long enough and isn’t it time to, you know, grow up—in an executive sense?
When that happens, and if Custance is on the money as usual, it looks like it may already have; who do we lose?
I’m a Stevie Y guy just like you. But if given the choice between he and Holland? Holland stays. Has to. We can’t afford to lose Bowman and Tick Tock in a short period of time. I know. Jim Nill’s a genius, but…Holland’s still the man.
But would we have to bid farewell to one if the GM office door starts revolving? Not if Daddy Mike decides it’s time Holland dropped the “vice” and was installed as President of Hockey Operations. That’s a position that currently doesn’t exist. Of course, considering Chris Ilitch currently holds a VP slot just like the other 37 members of the varsity front office, placing non-family member above him may not be possible. Ask Tom Hagen, a non-Sicilian.
And how would a president of hockey operations be any different than a GM? Would the responsibilities be that different to allow Holland and Yzerman/Rookie GM to co-exist? I don’t know.
Frankly, I don’t know if it’s worth the effort. If Yzerman’s intent on being a GM, and Holland’s not ready to move out of that job? It hurts me to say it, but I’m thinking it could be Sayonara Stevie.
I’m interested in your reaction to this. If Yzerman feels he’s ready, and the Wings aren’t willing to move Holland further upstairs, who do you keep?
Oh, and Malik? You’re a bastard. Just as I’m about to post this I look at your site and…this.
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Comments
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Interesting combinations we have going
And wouldn’t be complete without the obligatory uninformed troll making an appearance.
Posted by MOWingsfan19 on 08/28/08 at 08:07 AM ET
Puck Daddy has post about some survey some joker did about the best fan bases in the NHL. Canadiens 1, Wings 2, Laughs 3. Suck it toronto
Posted by rwingscup19 from dallas on 08/28/08 at 09:56 AM ET
p.s. Yay…we get to beat up on Sakitch for another year.
Yep…although each year that he plays, I get a little bit more apprehensive that Sack-Itch will approach or surpass The Captain’s records. For points, term of captaincy, whatever. I know it’s petty, and he’s a class player too, but…it’s the Dive thing. I just can’t get past it, and hope that this is his last year.
Posted by AndrewFromAnnArbor from deep in the basement of the Hall of Records on 08/28/08 at 11:03 AM ET
Sakic can still play. It’s not like he’s going to be Yzermanning around on the ice embarrassing himself at the end of his career like Stevey did.
Posted by rwhater on 08/28/08 at 11:24 AM ET
Sakic can still play. It’s not like he’s going to be Yzermanning around on the ice embarrassing himself at the end of his career like Stevey did.
See what I mean about the obligatory uninformed troll….. 
One would expect the spelling ability of a first name that is well, very common to say the least. Then again, maybe that expectation is over someones head. You can crawl back under your bridge now.
Here here to what Andrew said. I have much respect for the caliber & class of a Sakic & always will. Ah, the Dive & their fans… not so much.
Posted by MOWingsfan19 on 08/28/08 at 11:41 AM ET
embarrassing himself at the end of his career like Stevey did.
I was mortified when he won that Cup after leading a team full of Hall of Famers on one leg.
Sakic too is a classy guy and was respectful enough to wear 91 so that Stevie could wear 19 on Team Canada.
Posted by Osrt on 08/28/08 at 11:56 AM ET
Osrt,
Don’t forget the Gold Medal either, ya know from Yzermanning around.
I guess Mario Yzermanned around the last few years of his playing career too.
Posted by MOWingsfan19 on 08/28/08 at 12:37 PM ET
This must be the first time in history that Yzerman has been used as a verb. 
Posted by Baroque from Michigan on 08/28/08 at 04:21 PM ET
This must be the first time in history that Yzerman has been used as a verb
Which is a huge oversight on our part…definition should be “to willingly sacrifice ones well being for the good of a larger group, often towards the achievement of lofty goals”
Posted by rwingscup19 from dallas on 08/28/08 at 05:35 PM ET
actually, i’m sure B or CIAandrew can come up with something much better
Posted by rwingscup19 from dallas on 08/28/08 at 05:37 PM ET
This must be the first time in history that Yzerman has been used as a verb.
Not once but twice. I wasn’t sure about cap’s on it, but when referring to The Captain there is no doubt.
The dictionary and or thesaurus ‘round here is a unsual to say the least.
Posted by MOWingsfan19 on 08/28/08 at 06:18 PM ET
Interesting combinations we have going
Osrt, I sometimes think that the Chief’s prolonged absences are really nothing more than him experimenting on us in a conversational petri dish. He puts out a clean dish, adds an idea, and two weeks later comes back to see what horrible thing grew out of it.
Observational Study #42
Variable Discussion Topic: Power Rankings
No. of Participants: 19
Summary Results: anal glands, children’s bedtime stories, soft boiled eggs
Posted by Gabriel from San Diego, CA on 08/28/08 at 07:01 PM ET
Osrt, I sometimes think that the Chief’s prolonged absences are really nothing more than him experimenting on us in a conversational petri dish. He puts out a clean dish, adds an idea, and two weeks later comes back to see what horrible thing grew out of it.
You’re exactly right Gabe. Tomorrow: The 3rd team up for A2Y Top Rival. The Poultry are on the clock.
Posted by IwoCPO from Sunny San Diego, bitches on 08/28/08 at 07:04 PM ET
“I’ll start Hossa with [Pavel] Datsyuk and [Tomas] Holmstrom and [Johan] Franzen, [Henrik] Zetterberg and [Jiri] Hudler will start together,” Babcock said. “Then you go [Dan] Cleary, [Valtteri] Filppula and [Mikael] Samuelsson. That’s as good as any third line in hockey.”
Uncle Mike according to Mr Custard via the Emperor.
Wow…
Posted by markw from Scotland on 08/29/08 at 06:17 AM ET
“I’ll start Hossa with [Pavel] Datsyuk and [Tomas] Holmstrom and [Johan] Franzen, [Henrik] Zetterberg and [Jiri] Hudler will start together,” Babcock said. “Then you go [Dan] Cleary, [Valtteri] Filppula and [Mikael] Samuelsson. That’s as good as any third line in hockey.”
So he’s going with four forwards on his top line, two on his second, and three on the third. Well, that is something Uncle Mike would say, that’s for sure….
Posted by monkey from here to Timbuktu on 08/29/08 at 06:40 AM ET
Oh, and to answer the original question, Holland.
Posted by monkey from here to Timbuktu on 08/29/08 at 06:42 AM ET
So he’s going with four forwards on his top line, two on his second, and three on the third.
He’s an innovative coach, that Mike Babcock.
Zetterberg and Datsyuk won’t be apart for long - they never are. It’s like the European version of Groundhog Day.
(I’m happy to see Hudler up on the second line!)
Posted by Baroque from Michigan on 08/29/08 at 07:09 AM ET
Sakic too is a classy guy and was respectful enough to wear 91 so that Stevie could wear 19 on Team Canada.
or maybe he’s a dirty Commie and wanted to wear Fedorov’s number…
Posted by PaulinMiamiBeach on 08/29/08 at 08:11 AM ET
“Then you go [Dan] Cleary, [Valtteri] Filppula and [Mikael] Samuelsson.
He’s an innovative coach, that Mike Babcock.
...and he’s turned three other players into verbs. Perhaps the other lines will be yzermanning around while the third line will go clearyfilpulasamuelssoning.
Posted by markw from Scotland on 08/29/08 at 08:21 AM ET
Poultry are on the clock
With an owner headed to the “sin bin” for a bit more than 2 minutes for interference. Classy organ-I-zation from the top down there.
Posted by MOWingsfan19 on 08/29/08 at 09:57 AM ET
I think, once Hossa drops to his line and the Flying Circus is reunited, this could be Flip’s big break-out year. Hoss-Flip-Franzen? Yes, please, with a side of toast…
Posted by mudshark from Divetown, Colorado on 08/29/08 at 10:12 AM ET
Hossa/Datsyuk/Holmstrom
Hudler/Zetterberg/Franzen
Cleary/Filppula/Samuelsson
Let’s see, that leaves a 4th line of Draper centering some combination of…
Maltby/Kopecky/Helm/McCarty/Downey (am I forgetting someone?)
Posted by YzermanZetterberg on 08/29/08 at 11:55 AM ET
“Then you go Cleary, Filppula and Samuelsson. That’s as good as any third line in hockey.”
You put your Hossa in
You take your Hossa out
You put your Hossa in
And you shake it all about
You do the Uncle Mikey
and you turn yourself around
That’s what’s it all about
Posted by monkey from here to Timbuktu on 08/29/08 at 07:32 PM ET
“Hossabedextrous”
Posted by Rumbear from Rum, more than just breakfast food. on 08/29/08 at 08:56 PM ET
Hmmmm, how about
Hossa/Datsyuk/Holmstrom
Cleary/Zetterberg/Franzen
Helm/Filppula/Kopecky
Hudler and Samuelsson traded elsewhere for draft picks or prospects. Sorry, but Hudler’s maniacal eyebrows creep me out.
and an Innovative fourth line of
Maltby/Draper/McCarty
or
Leino/Draper/Abdelkader
Posted by oregon wings fan on 08/30/08 at 08:59 AM ET
They called him mad! Just because of his strange way of speaking, his chin scar, and some revolutionary ideas about line combinations! But we’ll see who’s MAD when the season starts! When player names are placed in a tumbler and drawn out at random, yet the resulting lineup demolishes all comers, who will be laughing then? Who, pray tell, WHO?!?
Hossa/Datsyuk/Holmstrom
Hudler/Zetterberg/Franzen
Cleary/Filppula/Samuelsson
I like it. You’ve got a playmaker, shooter, and crease-crasher on each line, and that’s three lines that pose legitimate scoring threats. Though Cleary’s probably feeling the ache in his jaw just thinking about being back on a line with William Tell.
Posted by AndrewFromAnnArbor from the la-bor-ra-to-ry of line combos on 08/30/08 at 11:57 AM ET
They called him mad! Just because of his strange way of speaking, his chin scar, and some revolutionary ideas about line combinations! But we’ll see who’s MAD when the season starts!
Aw crap. Andrew found the keys to the absinthe cabinet again.
Posted by Gabriel from San Diego, CA on 08/30/08 at 12:38 PM ET
He’s mad I tell you. Mad as a hatter!
Posted by monkey from here to Timbuktu on 08/30/08 at 04:44 PM ET
My spouse and I purchased a Red Wings Banner to fly off the front porch. The thing is we live in Roanoke, VA. It is beautiful here but as far as hockey wisdom,well, there is none! Not only that, my neigbor is a real hick type of guy who lives in the Civil War period. And there is is, a big DETRIOT banner flying proudly in the South!
Interestingly enough, I was just speaking with a gentleman here in Roanoke who said his neighbors are huge Red Wings fans and have a huge Red Wings banner hanging from their porch. He looks a lot like Chris Osgood, if that rings any bells. Doesn’t strike me as a hick stuck in the Civil War era though.
Posted by monkey from here to Timbuktu on 08/30/08 at 08:18 PM ET
To my Amazement, since the banner has been proudly displayed, we have had several people say they like hockey! It would be cool as hell if we could start a Wings club here.( even the hick commented and said it looks cool, bless his heat).
There are some young guys here on our block, maybe they are Wings fans. Our neighbor across the street says his friends love the Wings and live up North. In return, I invited them, he and his wife, to watch the games with us on Center Ice in our home.
Posted by dwingsrock on 09/01/08 at 08:01 AM ET
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OSRT…you owe me a keyboard!
I know this may sound simplistic, but as I return back to the original topic, doesn’t the fact that Steve has been a franchise player since day 1 matter?
If he were to GM at another team would absolutely effect his legacy.
He has not been groomed this long for any other reason. Money can’t matter at this point. And as I watched his snarky little kids during the banner raising, I’m not so sure he cares much for where they graduate high school…little brats have no clue who their father is…sorry for the tangent.
Bowman went to Chicago to be with his kid.
Yzerman leaving would be a personal blow to an organization that groomed a legend.
I just don’t see it happening.
p.s. Yay…we get to beat up on Sakitch for another year.
Posted by ScottH from Kalamazoo on 08/28/08 at 01:27 AM ET