Yzerman instrumental in Datsyuk signing
Steve Yzerman is well-known in Detroit as the long-time captain who won three Cups while in the Red Wings sweater. But his impact on the franchise is longer-lasting than the history books.
According to the Tampa Bay Times, Yzerman was the man who convinced Detroit GM Ken Holland to sign star forward Pavel Datsyuk to a seven-year extension back in 2007.
"Steve backed Pav," Holland told the Tampa Bay Times. "He said 'Absolutely, get it done. ... We all believed in Pav, but nice to hear the captain come out of the locker room and endorse Pav. It really became Zetterberg and Datsyuk's team the last 10 years. The rest is history."
There's no telling whether Yzerman will regret that decision after the first-round series between the Lightning and Red Wings. Datsyuk has two points on a goal and assist in the series so far. Both points came in the Red Wings' 3-2 Game 1 win.
