Steve Yzerman is expected to step down as the general manager of the Tampa Bay Lightning and take on an advisory role with the team, according to several reports.
Our sister station WXYZ plans to stream the news conference in Tampa Bay at 4 p.m. Watch live here.
Joe Smith, who works for The Athletic, said Yzerman told players in a meeting on Tuesday that he is stepping down for the advisory role. He has one year left on his contract in Tampa Bay.
Smith reports that there will be a press conference at 4 p.m. in Tampa where the official announcement will be made, and Julien BriseBois is expected to take over.
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
#tblightning owner Jeff Vinik had been hopeful + optimistic early in the summer to sign Yzerman to an extension. I asked Yzerman during playoffs and he said “Working for Jeff has been fantastic. It’s a tremendous position and I’m grateful to have it."
— Joe Smith (@JoeSmithTB) September 11, 2018
During his 7-year tenure at the Lightning GM, Yzerman has five playoff appearances and an appearance in the 2015 Stanley Cup Finals.
Detroit Red Wings fans may think this means Yzerman could come to Detroit following his contract, but the team just signed current GM Ken Holland to a 2-year contract extension in April.
According to Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press, Yzerman told the team he is going home to 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
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