Yzerman is stepping down as the Lightning’s General Manager

Steve Yzerman is reportedly stepping down as the General Manager of the Tampa Bay Lightning. He is expected to remain with the team as an advisor, per The Athletic’s Joe Smith.

With just one year remaining on his contract, the Lightning were reportedly in talks to extend Yzerman this summer. What prompted this change of heart for the 2014-15 GM of the year winner is unclear, but Smith is also reporting that Yzerman told the Lightning players he’s heading back to Detroit. This could simply mean to live and not work; Yzerman was commuting from his family home in Detroit to work in Tampa Bay.

Of course, there is plenty of speculation of Yzerman returning to the Red Wings’ franchise.

For those speculating about Detroit, here's what we know:
– Holland signed 2-year extension with the Red Wings in April
– per @JoeSmithTB, Yzerman has one year left on his deal w/TB
– There's an internal appetite to sort out future roles for current Detroit management group

— Craig Custance (@CraigCustance) September 11, 2018

UPDATE:

The Lightning announced Yzerman will stay on as a Senior Advisor to Julien BriseBois, the new General Manager of the Tampa Bay Lightning. BriseBois had served as an assistant GM for the Lightning since 2010, and was the General Manager of the Lightning’s AHL affiliate, the Syracuse Crunch.

“The mission is going to be the same. That mission is to win the Stanley Cup,” said BriseBois. “I can assure you everything will be done and nothing will be neglected in our pursuit to win the Cup.”

Yzerman said he made the decision to step down as General Manager in July and is “100% committed this year.” Yzerman added that he is unsure what his future will hold beyond this season.

“To do the job the way it needs to be done and to be with my family as well, it’s becoming difficult to do. Hence the decision,” said Yzerman. “I will be wherever I’m needed to be for Julien moving forward.”