Reports have been flying around since the post season started that Red Wings Vice President and forever "Captain" Steve Yzerman would be leaving the organization bound for a southern team to become a general manager. While most hockey fans realize that in order to become a general manager in some capacity Stevie will have to leave Detroit. Ken Holland and Jim Nill have put together too many successful teams as a duo to break up now. And even though we know why he'd have to leave, it doesn't make the prospect of Steve leaving any easier.
Almost all fans under the age of 30 have not known a Red Wings organization without Steve Yzerman at the helm. Whether on the ice or in the front office Steve has been in the forefront of the organization for as long as many of us can remember. I personally can't fathom a Red Wings organization without Steve in it. But I can accept that Steve has his own goals away from the shiny marble pedestal that Detroiters have ever so neatly placed him on. The only way I can possibly describe what Steve leaving would mean for Red Wings fans and the city of Detroit would be divorce.
I know it's a stretch from some people to see but it's the only way to describe it. Think of it like this, Steve Yzerman is the proverbial Dad in this equation which would make the Red Wings organization the Mom (by default). Red Wing fans and the city of Detroit would then become the ever so adoring children. You understand that "Mom" and "Dad" can't stay together forever as long as they have different goals. And you get that staying together for the sake of the "kids" would sacrifice "Dad's" happiness and dreams. But the "kids" can't help but ask themselves: What did we do? Weren't we good enough to you? Didn't we love you enough? At the end of the day once "Dad" leaves you know that you don't love him any less but you'll miss him terribly.
We, as Detroiters and Wings fans, love Steve. Nothing will ever change our unconditional, ever present love for him. We've watched all of Steve's trials and tribulations, successes and failures. Steve will always be that brother you just want to succeed at everything in life. That friend whose voice in time of panic can calm you down better than any medication ever could. That father figure you look to as your absolute pillar of strength. And that hero that you don't know what you're life would be like without him. The day that Steve Yzerman leaves Detroit will be arguably the toughest day for everyone. No one has been better to this city than Steve Yzerman.
If and when Steve leaves Detroit I'm sure the message from most every Wings fan might go something like this:
Steve,
Thank you for all of the wonderful years that you gave us. Thank you for everything that you have done for our city, our state, and our Red Wings. We wish you all the best. And remember that you'll have a home here in Detroit with people who love and care for you and yours always.
With love always,
Your fans
**EDITED**
As of today officially Steve Yzerman is no longer with the Red Wings orginization. As predicted it hurt the hearts of Red Wing and Yzerman fans everywhere.
Steve Yzerman Drive is a lonely place today
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