The Greatest Hockey Players of All Time: Then vs. Now

After retiring in 2006, Yzerman moved into management, first with Team Canada, where he built the gold-medal-winning 2010 and 2014 Olympic rosters. He then became general manager of the Tampa Bay Lightning, guiding them toward contention before returning to his beloved Detroit Red Wings in the same role.

He remains one of the most influential front-office minds in the game, shaping teams with his steady, disciplined approach. Yzerman’s second act as a GM has further burnished his legend, with fans seeing him not only as a Red Wings icon but also as one of hockey’s best builders.