Lightning mailbag: Yzerman even surprised his family with decision

BRANDON, Fla. – When Chris Yzerman woke up Tuesday, Sept. 11, he had a surprising text from his mother, Jean, who lives in the same Ottawa-area neighborhood.

“Is it true?”

That afternoon, Lightning general manager Steve Yzerman would shock the hockey world by announcing he was stepping down to move into an advisor role for the final year of his contract. It was the best-kept secret all summer. Even Chris, Yzerman’s brother and Lightning scout, and their parents didn’t find out until getting heads-up phone calls the morning of.

“He really kept it air-tight,” Chris told The Athletic.

Yzerman told his brother what he later told the rest of the world, that it had become too tough to do the demanding job of NHL GM and be there for his family, which is based out of suburban Detroit. Yzerman felt like he had to be in three places at once, in Tampa with the Lightning, in Syracuse with the AHL affiliate, and in Michigan where his wife, Lisa, lives, and two of their college-aged daughters are.

Now, Yzerman can juggle easier.

The new role will still be evolving, but this past week was a perfect example of the kind of balance Yzerman could find as advisor to new GM Julien BriseBois. Yzerman was in Tampa for Thursday’s first day of training camp, then spent the weekend back at home before returning for Tuesday’s exhibition opener against Carolina. Yzerman was part of organizational meetings with the team’s pro scouts the past couple days in Brandon. Yzerman and BriseBois even kept their same offices.

“Outstanding, it has been tremendous,” BriseBois said of the transition. “We’re working on the same things we’d be working on, with the same people.”

Yzerman told AHL Syracuse owner Howard Dolgon he’d be spending more time following the Crunch this season; BriseBois remains Syracuse GM, but said he, Yzerman and assistant GM Pat Verbeek would share coverage.

BriseBois said Yzerman first approached him about potentially making the change earlier in the summer, with him unofficially taking over in mid-August after owner Jeff Vinik made his decision.

It’s just most everybody, with the exception of Yzerman, Vinik, BriseBois and CEO Steve Griggs, was left in the dark. Even Darren Pang, a close friend of Yzerman’s for 40 years, didn’t know until their 45-minute chat Tuesday morning.

“That’s how Steve runs it and I respect that,” Pang said. “I think whoever he brings in is very discreet, there’s no loose lips coming from Tampa Bay. A lot of organizations have loose lips and they keep it close to the vest. It’s very hard to do this day and age.”

Yzerman’s new role came up in several questions from subscribers in our latest Lightning mailbag. Here are several other of your questions:

Do you think defenseman Ryan McDonagh plays better this year? Do you think our defense as a group will be better this year? — John M.

I do. McDonagh, acquired at the deadline from the Rangers, said he feels more comfortable with the team’s system and style. It took him about 10 games of playing with Tampa Bay after recovering from a hand injury late last season. But McDonagh’s strength — his skating — will show more in his first full year; plus he has the comfort of an eight-year deal signed in July. McDonagh helps complement Victor Hedman by also playing big minutes. And from watching him in camp, one close Lightning observer predicts McDonagh could be “dominant” this season. The defense should be better, with McDonagh settling in and Mikhail Sergachev potentially getting a bigger role. Assistant Todd Richards has taken over running the blueline after the departure of long-time associate Rick Bowness, so you should see some subtle tweaks.

It has been reported that Jake Dotchin showed up 30-plus pounds over his playing weight. Even if an arbitrator rules in Dotchin’s favor and he remains a Bolt, I don’t see him getting any playing time. Where do you see this situation concluding? — Ron B.

It’s certainly an interesting and complicated case. The Lightning made the controversial decision to put Dotchin on unconditional waivers (with plans to terminate the final year of his contract) because of a “material breach.” It has been learned that it was because of Dotchin’s conditioning/weight when he arrived. I can’t confirm the exact numbers — TSN’s Bob McKenzie suggested Dotchin was 30 pounds overweight, with Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman saying the defenseman was 25 percent body fat. But Dotchin looked bad when he showed up, not the type of shape for a hockey player. There could be a reason for that, and we’ll learn that if Dotchin decides to file a grievance through the NHLPA. By all accounts, Dotchin, 24, was in good shape last season when he played more than half of the team’s regular-season games. My bet is another team takes a flier on Dotchin, whom Hedman believes has a lot of potential. Several clubs have expressed interest, though no doubt he’d need a conditioning assignment first. Either Dotchin signs with another team or this grievance is settled before going to an arbitrator.

Now that there are only seven ‘D’ on the roster, who do you think will be the first option for a call-up in case of an injury or two? — Joe H.

Erik Cernak is the most NHL-ready defense prospect in the Lightning system. As coach Jon Cooper said, Cernak has got size, speed and skill, and knows how to use them. “He leans on people,” Cooper said. Cernak, a right shot, was by far the best prospect in the rookie tournament and has looked like an NHL defenseman in camp. But Cernak only makes the team, or gets called up, if he’s going to play, as opposed to sitting in the press box as a seventh/eighth defenseman. Defenseman Cameron Gaunce, signed to a one-year, two-way deal in early July, would probably be the first call-up if it’s for a short term or depth purposes, having boasted some NHL experience. But Cernak is a really good option, with Dominik Masin another.

Anton Stralman seems like a no-brainer for another contract. At his age, another 2- or 3-year contract for similar $4-5 million range seems feasible for him to re-sign with a top contending team with no state income tax. What’s the likelihood the Lightning would be able to sign him for that kind of price? — Blake F.

I think of the three pending unrestricted free agent defensemen next summer (Stralman, Dan Girardi, Braydon Coburn), Stralman would be the most likely to re-sign. Sure, Stralman is on the other side of 30, but he’s a steadying, calming presence and hasn’t appeared to slow down. It would have to be on a shorter term and potentially less than the $4.5 million annual cap hit he has now. The idea is to build around Hedman and McDonagh on the left, with Sergachev an option on either side. There’s hope that Cernak, 2017 first-round pick Cal Foote (a right shot) will be ready in the next year. You’d still want to add a veteran to that young blueline, whether it’s Stralman or swinging big at pending UFA Erik Karlsson, or someone in the middle.

Do you think the situation with Yzerman stepping back and now the mess with Dotchin will have a negative impact on the team, specifically in terms of their relationship with the front office? — Michael W.

No. To a man, every Lightning player I’ve spoken with has respected Yzerman’s decision to spend more time with his family. The Hall of Famer has earned the benefit of the doubt, and will still be around the team as he’s an advisor for at least the final year of his contract. Players seem to support BriseBois, too, with the long-time right-hand man being here for eight years and keeping the “business-as-usual” approach. With Dotchin, most players were shocked when they found out he wasn’t on the team (I broke the news to Hedman, who had been on the ice for practice during the announcement). They all seem to like Dotchin, and though the team’s decision may seem a bit harsh, the Lightning has been so wrapped up in camp there hasn’t been as much fuss about it. The potential precedent of this case, however, will be watched closely by not just Lightning players but also the rest of the league.

Before Vladislav Namestnikov was traded (to the Rangers at the deadline in February), he seemed like a great guy to keep the room light, the things like his photobombs during the postgame interviews, and that infectious smile. After he left, it seemed like the team got a little stiff. Are there other players that keep the mood light among the team? — Tyler M.

Part of why you might have perceived the team as being “stiff” was that it was almost playoff time after Namestnikov was dealt, so games became even more important. But there are some players in the room who can loosen things up. Veteran defenseman Dan Girardi, for one. Wing Alex Killorn walked around the other day in a Ryan Fitzpatrick Bucs jersey with a big chain and Sergachev’s shades on. The new assistants, Derek Lalonde and Jeff Halpern, have brought a different energy — and more synergy — to the coaching staff. Andrei Vasilevskiy and Nikita Kucheov have sneaky sense of humors, too. Guaranteed you’ll see more photobombs during postgame interviews this year, too.

When I look at the biggest flaw on this team last season, I think penalty kill. With no major changes to the defensive core, do you see them struggling again this season? — Ryan O.

The penalty kill was a major problem last season, ranking 28h in the league. The unit was better in the postseason, making some adjustments. You’re right, there aren’t many personnel changes (depending on whether Andreoff, Conacher, Mathieu Joseph make the team). But I think the group is capable of cracking the top 15 with the players on the roster, especially with Vasilevskiy. They just need to be more aggressive, and improve their positioning in shooting lanes. Rookie Anthony Cirelli was a key contributor from March on last season, and when Ryan Callahan (shoulder) returns in early November, he’ll give them a boost. The penalty kill will be run by a different coach (with Bowness gone), so expect Lalonde and Halpern to help.

(Alex) Volkov and (Mathieu) Joseph impressed in their first preseason games. Do you see Cooper making room for one or both of them on the roster, a la Brayden Point two years ago? — Alexander F.

Both have had strong camps. I think Volkov, 22, is more suited for a top-six role, so if there’s an injury early in the season he’d be the first call-up. Joseph has the best chance among forward prospects to crack the roster. He checks all the boxes. He’s got speed, grit, and can play both wing positions and contribute on the penalty kill. Joseph would have to beat out veterans such as Cory Conacher, Andy Andreoff and Cedric Paquette, but there’s a chance.

Last year, Ottawa claimed Gabriel Dumont off waivers and we’ve lost players like Richard Panik in the past also. Who do you see as potential players we may lose this year? — Kameron K.

There are several Lightning forwards on the roster bubble the final week of training camp. Conacher, Adam Erne and Andreoff all would have to clear waivers before getting sent down to AHL Syracuse, so depending on who doesn’t make the team, one could be lost. I imagine Tampa Bay tries to send Conacher back to Syracuse, where he’d be a valuable top-six scorer and depth option. Erne strengthened his case with two early goals in Friday’s exhibition in Nashville. Andreoff, acquired in the Peter Budaj trade to the Kings, has impressed in three preseason games, providing the type of grit and skating the Lightning needs for the fourth line. Andreoff’s Gordie Howe hat trick Friday in Nashville (goal, assist, fight) is an example of what he can do. The Lightning added another option, claiming forward Danick Martel off waivers from the Flyers Saturday, so it’ll be interesting to see who is the odd-man out. Being able to play on the penalty kill will be a factor in which one of those “bubble” guys makes the team.

It seems like the “rumor” for months was that Erik Karlsson was coming to the Lightning. Obviously that didn’t happen. Now that the deal never materialized, how close or how far away were the teams and what were the Lightning not willing to give up to finalize the deal? –– Doug C.

The Lightning tried. They really did. They had discussions with the Senators around the trade deadline, again early in the summer and up until a few weeks ago. But it doesn’t appear as though Tampa Bay was close on acquiring the Senators franchise player. Ottawa had little interest in trading Karlsson within the Eastern Conference, especially the Atlantic Division. At the very least, the price would have been higher than what San Jose ultimately gave the Senators for the two-time Norris Trophy winner. My guess is Sergachev would have been among the players Ottawa asked for, and it is doubtful the Lightning would part with him.

How many starts do you think Louis Domingue will get this season? — Jake M.

I think around 20 to 25. Andrei Vasilevskiy started 64 in his first full season as No. 1, earning Vezina Trophy finalist honors. But goalie coach Frantz Jean said they’d like to get Vasilevskiy in the lower end of the 55- to 65-start “sweet spot” for lead goaltenders. Figure Domingue, who signed a two-year deal over the summer, to start once every four games (or once a week), and give Vasilevskiy a little more of a breather. Domingue showed he was capable last season by wining seven of 10 starts after taking over for injured backup Budaj after Christmas.

Are you concerned of any complacency in camp at all, given that the Atlantic looks like a three-team race again (along with Boston and Toronto). Who can you see out of the other top-5 teams in the Atlantic disrupting the top 3? — Chris L.

Don’t see much complacency in this high-paced camp. As players will tell you, as much as the Lightning are among the favorites again to win the Cup, they haven’t done anything yet. The fact that the Leafs took a step forward in signing Lightning target John Tavares will make the division title race more interesting. Boston has always been a thorn in Tampa Bay’s side. The Lightning have learned in past seasons that coasting early in the regular season can prove costly. As for the other division teams, the Senators should finish in the basement, the Red Wings are rebuilding and the Canadiens would need a herculean season from goalie Carey Price to crack the top three. The Sabres could be fun to watch with No. 1 pick defenseman Rasmus Dahlin plus some exciting young talent. I don’t think they’re playoff-ready yet, but they’ll steal some points from the contenders along the way.

Where do you see Mikhail Sergachev end up playing this season? I’ve thought he deserves a shot at the top four given how he looked in the playoffs. — Steven Q.

Sergachev wants to play in the top four, and believes he’s ready. There’s definitely an argument to be made, and the sight of Sergachev playing the right side with McDonagh the other day at practice could be foreshadowing. Sergachev, a left shot, played the right side so well in the second half of last year (and has been there all camp), so it would seem that’s where he starts. The Lightning aided Sergachev’s development last year by easing him in early on, giving him more favorable matchups and giving him offensive zone starts. But the kid gloves are coming off this year, and Sergachev will have to earn the bigger minutes/role. Wouldn’t a Hedman-Stralman and McDonagh-Sergachev be a pretty stout top-four?

Do you think the Lightning roster is set for the season? Or do you think they’re in the hunt for a RHD after the Karlsson trade or a winger perhaps? — Derek P.

The Lightning have only a couple million in salary cap space at the moment, so it’d be difficult to make any significant changes to the roster. There’s not a lot of open spots, either, barring injuries. I think they’ll pursue options at February’s trade deadline, depending on how veteran defensemen such as Girardi and Coburn hold up, and how ready prospects such as Cernak and Foote are.

Do you think the Ondrej Palat-Braden Point-Tyler Johnson line will be used as the shutdown line? — Jim. W.

The trio was certainly the Lightning’s shutdown line during the playoffs. If it’s not broke, don’t fix it, right? Wouldn’t be surprising to see Palat, Point and Johnson play together again. But there are two issues. Tampa Bay could switch it up, like it has at a few practices in camp, and go with Palat-Point-Nikita Kucherov on a line. And there’s still curiosity whether Johnson returns to his natural position of center, or stays on the wing, where he played most of last season. It’s a luxury Johnson, a former All-Star center, was open to (and was successful on the wing), but Cooper wants his forwards to play in their comfortable position. Cooper calls Johnson’s position a “gray area,” which will be sorted out in preseason. Johnson just prefers a defined role, and is open to either, taking pride in the shutdown task last season.

What’s your favorite flavor of ice cream? — Charles N.

Chocolate. Now that’s an easy one! Or anything my wife wants. #happywifehappylife.

Joe Smith can be reached at [email protected]. Follow@JoeSmithTB.

(Top photo: Kim Klement / USA TODAY Sports)