The Detroit Red Wings announced that Red Wings governor Christopher Ilitch has signed general manager Ken Holland to a two-year extension. Holland, who was the architect behind Detroit’s Stanley Cup success over the years, was to be a free-agent as his contract was expiring at the end of the season. With the team starting a massive rebuild, there was some thought the team might look in a different direction to spearhead that phase of the franchise, but that proves not to be the case.
Holland has been in his role as general manager since 1997 and during his tenure has sent the Red Wings to 18-straight playoff appearances as he built a dynasty that won Stanley Cups in 1998, 2002 and 2010. In recent years, however, Holland has been responsible for bringing in many veteran free agents with the hopes of avoiding a rebuild. The long-term deals, high salaries and no trade clauses have jammed up their team’s salary cap situation and had them miss the playoffs for two straight years.
There has been plenty of speculation about Holland and where he might end up once his contract expired. Some thought he might retire, while his name was also thrown about as a top candidate to potentially run the Seattle expansion team.
Two years is odd, that means no Yzerman
Why would you think that Stevie Y would even be thinking about that at all?? Hahaha
Whether you know nothing about hockey or you are NHL insider, you know Steve Yzerman will be the GM of the Red Wings one day.
There’s no if’s, and’s, or but’s.
It’s the “bet the house, lock of the week!”
Only question is when?
Tampa will win the cup this year or next. Steve built a monster for years to come in Tampa so his departure from the Lighting will be acceptable after he honors his contract ending next year. Holland’s new contract has a second year team option, which will move him to the Assistant to the Regional Manager when Steve comes to town.
It’s quite a bold prediction that’s for sure. …but why would you leave a powerhouse that you just built, in one of the best climes, with a structure where you can negotiate without salary taxes dogging you…to move to one of the worse cities in North America to work with a downtrodden core that would take many years to build up again?? My wife is a huge Red Wings fan and I’ve been a big Stevie Y fan since puberty…but why?? lol. It is inspirational and a great dream…but why!? Haha
If anything…Holland’s second year of a team option is the point of…can he show forward motion and breathing room from this mess that he created in the first place. I don’t think it’s with Stevie Y coming to save the day…that puts in play lol