Early this off-season, Flames fans were wondering if the franchise was going to fire Darryl Sutter and replace him with erstwhile DET captain and executive Steve Yzerman. They didn't, of course, and Yzerman landed in Tampa Bay instead.
A legitimate question was raised at the time, though: what kind of GM is Yzerman going to be? Aside from a few years in the Red Wings front office, Yzerman didn't really have any management experience. And, as we've seen numerous times, great hockey players don't necessarily make great coaches or GM's. Skepticism regarding Stevey Wonders abilities in the big chair was warranted.
The early returns for Tampa Bay fans are positive though. Very positive. Here's the bulk of Yzerman's work so far this summer:
- Re-signed Martin St.Louis 3 year 5.625M/year contract.
- Dealt Meszaros and his $4M cap hit to the Flyers.
- Signed Brett Clark to a 2 year, 1.5M/year contract.
- Signed Pavbel Kubina to a 2 year, 3.85M/year contract.
- Signed Dan Ellis is a 2 year, 1.5M/year contract.
- Dealt Matt Walker and 4th round pick to the Flyers for Simon Gagne
In short, he flipped Meszaros for Kubina and saved some cap space, signed a "1B" goaltender to a cheap deal (very Detroit model-esque), signed a capable depth defender to a cheap deal and swiped a legit top 6 forward from Philly for what amounts to a bag of pucks. The only quibble I have with the above is the St. Louis contract (strikes me as a year too long given his age), but the way Marty continues to produce, it's not indefensible.
On top of all that, here's what Yzerman had to say about "team toughness" recently:
"I want to improve the skill level and the ability of the team with players who compete hard. Guy uses the term 'first on the puck.' That’s the kind of toughness he wants. He wants guys going in there playing all out. We’re not going to emphasize having to fight. I think it's an over-emphasized part of the game. I think guys who compete hard and are willing to do whatever you have to do to win are more important. Just use Marty St. Louis as an example. He competes hard and is as tough as there is because he’s willing to do whatever he has to do to win a hockey game. That’s the kind of toughness we’re talking about."
Very sensible.
Obviously, a good summer does not a great GM make. However, one has to like both Yzerman's actions and words this off-season.
