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Wings chief executive Ken Holland spoke of the assumptions that Steve Yzerman would replace him this summer. Filmed April 8, 2019 in Detroit.
Helene St. James, Detroit Free Press

Detroit Red Wings GM Ken Holland spoke of rumors that Steve Yzerman would replace him with humor and frankness.

Speaking Monday after the Wings cleared their lockers after a team photo commemorating the 2018-1920 season, Holland was questioned about Yzerman, whose contract with the Tampa Bay Lightning is in effect this summer.

From the moment that Yzerman, who forged his career in the Hockey Hall of Fame with the Wings, announced last September that he was retiring as general manager in Tampa, it was announced that Yzerman would take control of the Wings.

"We laugh," Holland said. "I'm aware of all the rumors and everything that's going on there."

Steve Yzerman, left-wing member of the Red Wings, on the left, and General Ken Holland discuss in front of the training sessions on Monday, April 9, 2007 at the Joe Louis Arena. (Photo: JULIAN H. GONZALEZ, Detroit Free Press)

Holland still has one year of contract and repeated what he said at the end of February after the trade deadline: he is not worried.

"I'm going to the manager of this team until I'm no longer the team manager," Holland said. "At this point, I'll worry about what happens next. I will continue to walk until one day, I am told that you are no longer obliged to do it, but that someone will do it. Then I will worry about what happens next. "

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Holland and Yzerman are longtime friends and colleagues. They shared their room at the 2014 Sochi Games, where they "woke up every morning and had breakfast," Holland said. The last years of Yzerman's gambling career, which ended in 2006, negotiated Yzerman's contracts without resorting to an agent.

"I hired him when he retired to be part of the Red Wings leadership team," Holland said. "We're friends."

Red Wings general manager Ken Holland and team vice president Steve Yzerman (right) watch the team play on their morning play before the fourth game against the Nashville Predators in Nashville. Tennessee, Tuesday, April 15, 2008. (Photo: JULIAN H. GONZALEZ, Detroit Free Press)

Holland compared his relationship with Yzerman, former assistant general manager Jim Nill (now director of the Dallas Stars) and former Wings former coach Mike Babcock (Maple Leafs coach) to those established in high school. .

"You build relationships that last a lifetime," Holland said. "You remember how you have those best friends in high school and then you separate. You see yourself 10 years later and you reconnect suddenly. You do not miss a beat.

"Steve Yzerman and Ken Holland do not miss anything. Jim Nill and Ken Holland do not miss anything. Mike Babcock and Ken Holland do not miss anything. These guys are all my friends. "

Contact Helene St. James at [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter @helenestjames. Learn more about the Detroit Red Wings and sign up for our Red Wings newsletter.