Wednesday, July 27, 2005

Red Wings offer Yzerman contract

'He has some great hockey left in him,' GM Holland says; deal would be for one year.

By Ted Kulfan / The Detroit News

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DETROIT -- Steve Yzerman could officially be back with the Red Wings by Saturday.

Yzerman, 40, was offered a one-year contract by the Red Wings Wednesday at a Toronto lunch with general manager Ken Holland and senior vice-president Jimmy Devellano. Financial terms of the offer were not disclosed.

"We offered Steve a one-year contract and he said he'll get back to us by the end of the week," Holland said.

The Wings are likely to make some sort of announcement at Saturday's NHL entry draft in Ottawa.

The Wings had hoped to have an answer from Yzerman before the unrestricted free-agent period begins Monday.

Holland believes Yzerman can be a significant addition to the Wings this season.

"I want Steve to play this year," Holland said. "With the new coaching staff, he can be a tremendous asset to the coaches with his leadership in the locker room. He has some great hockey left in him."