Steve Yzerman has stepped down as general manager of the Tampa Bay Lightning in a surprising development on the eve of training camps opening.
Various reports indicate the Lightning will make the announcement at a 4 p.m. news conference.
Yzerman, who played 22 seasons for the Detroit Red Wings, reportedly will remain with the Lightning in an advisory role while assistant GM Julien BriseBois will assume the role of general manager. Yzerman has one year remaining on his contract with the Lightning.
Many Red Wings fans have clamored for Yzerman to return home as GM of Detroit, but that seems unlikely to happen, at least anytime soon.