Detroit Red Wings captain Steve Yzerman announced his retirement Monday, officially ending an NHL career that began in 1983. Yzerman spent his entire 22-year NHL career with the Red Wings.
'My intention throughout the season was to retire, play one last year,' Yzerman said Monday at a news conference to announce his retirement. 'I really enjoyed my final season here with the Red Wings. I thought about it a lot, about coming back and playing this season. This is the right decision for me at this time. I really have no doubt about that.'
The Red Wings were one of the league's dormats when Yzerman joined the team in 1983. He helped turn the franchise around and led it to three Stanley Cup titles and 15 straight playoff appearances.
Yzerman has served as captain of the Wings since 1986, making him the longest serving captain in the league. In the early 90s, 'Stevie Wonder' changed his playing style, sacrificing individual scoring for team defense. His change was symbolic of the turnaround of the franchise.
In his career, Yzerman was named to the All-Star team 10 times. His awards also include being named to the NHL's All-Rookie team in 1984, winning the Lester B. Pearson Award honoring the league's outstanding player in 1989, the Conn Smythe Trophy honoring the playoff MVP in 1998 and winning a gold medal with Canada at the 2002 Olympics at Salt Lake City.
In his final season, Yzerman scored 14 goals and 20 assists in just 61 games. He suffered three muscle tears which cost him playing time during the season. He also led Detroit to the NHL's best record.
Yzerman's final career stats include 692 goals and 1,063 assists for 1,755 points in 1,514 games. That places him sixth on the NHL's all-time leading scorers list.
Yzmerman is certain to be elected to the Hockey Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility. With the exception of Gordie Howe, Yzerman is the arguably most beloved player in the Red Wings storied history.
