DETROIT _ The Detroit Red Wings made as big an offseason splash as possible for a team not in the playoffs: Steve Yzerman is the new general manager.
The change became official Friday afternoon, when the Red Wings held a news conference attended by Yzerman, Red Wings owner Chris Ilitch, and Ken Holland, who segues from GM to an advisory role.
The news broke during the morning and ended speculation that began when Yzerman announced last September he would step back as general manager of the Tampa Bay Lightning with a year left on his contract.
At the time, Yzerman cited family reasons _ his wife, Lisa, remained living in their metro Detroit home during Yzerman's tenure with the Lightning.
Yzerman, who turns 54 May 9, played for the Red Wings from 1983-2006. He played a key role in reshaping the Wings into a contender, earning the moniker "the Captain."
He won three Stanley Cups as a player, and a fourth while part of the front office, in 2008. In 2010, he was hired to be general manager of the Lightning.
That role ended last September. The Lightning, who tied Yzerman's 1995-96 team by winning 62 games in the regular season, were swept by the Columbus Blue Jackets in a first-round series that ended Tuesday.
Three days later, Yzerman is back where he belongs: with the Red Wings.
