[Pablo Fanque]

Did youse all forget about this? Devellano talks about Yzerman on the trading block.

Was Yzerman almost traded?
Filed Under (My Favorites, Management) by Christy Hammond
The Detroit News had a great roundtable discussion with the big names in the Detroit Red Wings management including the team owner, GM, assistant GM, and VP. One of the many topics discussed was Yzerman.

News: How close was Steve Yzerman to being traded?
Devellano: There were talks. Steve Yzerman knows that. I’ve told him that. But as I told Stevie, even while it was going on, ‘Look, Steve, if you’re going to be dealt to Ottawa, we have to get something real good now to replace you and a whole lot more for the future.’ Ottawa couldn’t deliver on it. I don’t even think they could pay the contract, could they, Scotty?
Bowman: No, I don’t think so. I remember Jimmy saying, ‘You’re just spinning your wheels, because Mike Ilitch would never trade Steve Yzerman.’ And I remember Mike coming to me after my first year here — because Steve got injured that year — and saying, ‘You haven’t even seen what this guy can do.’
News: Did it ever come to your desk, Mr. Ilitch?
Ilitch: No, and I didn’t want it to come. (Laughter.) I’d heard the rumblings, but…

Behind the Jersey: No. 19 » Blog Archive » Was Yzerman almost traded?