Yzerman, clearly emotional during the press conference at Joe Louis Arena, said of his decision, "I just had this feeling it is time for me to move on".
Yzerman spent all 22 years with the Detroit Red Wings and 20 years as the team's captain. During 1,514 regular season games, Yzerman scored 692 goals and 1,063 assists.
He has also played in 196 Stanley Cup playoff games, with 70 goals and 115 assists. He has also won three Stanley Cup championships.
Everyone knew Stevie Y was something special from his first game. He scored the first goal of his NHL career during his first game. He scored 39 goals and 87 points in 80 games played his rookie season.
He was runner up to the Calder Trophy for the league's best rookie, but he lost to Tom Barrasso.
Although he won't be on the ice for the Detroit Red Wings, he will be still working with them. During the conference Yzeran did say, "I look forward to a future in the game of hockey with the Red Wings in some aspect."
Hopefully, he and the Red Wings will come to some sort of agreement that will keep Yzerman in the organization.
"I did the best I could, I tried hard, I competed hard. I feel like there's nothing left in the tank and I'm comfortable with that."
Stevie Y, the hockey world will miss you.
Steve Yzerman's accomplishments during his 22 year stint in the NHL:
- Selected 4th overall in the 1983 draft (age 18)
- On NHL All-Rookie Team
- Named captain of the Detroit Red Wings in 1986 (at age 21)
- Won Lester Pearson Award 1989
- Won Conn Smyth Trophy 1998
- NHL First Team All-Star 2000
- Selke Trophy winner 2000
- Bill Mastertono 2003
- Competed in ten NHL All-Star Games
- Won Stanley Cup 1997, 1998, 2002
- Gold medal in 2002 winter Olympics (Canada)
- Ranked sixth all-time in NHL career points
