Yzerman no longer optimistic

After a week of fruitless negotiations, one of the Wings' main optimists during the NHL lockout, captain Steve Yzerman, is no longer sure that there will be a season. He told the Detroit News yesterday that he doesn't, "see it [a season] happening." He went on to say,

"The philosophies haven't changed and there's no compromise in sight. I'd hoped at the last moment the owners would move off the salary cap, but they're not going to. I don't see a deal being done in the next week, and that's pretty much all the time that's left."

Speaking about players who have waited to see what happens over here before heading overseas to play, The Captain pointed out that, "there will never be an official cancellation, so at some point, guys just have to decide to go." Yzerman believes there is a good possibility of the NHL being shut down until next January. In that case, there is a good chance we'll never see him on the ice in the Winged Wheel again.

"If next season started on time and the Red Wings called about playing, it's something I'd definitely consider. But starting in January might be different."

While he won't say whether he'd retire or not, he has made a decision and is just waiting for the right time to reveal it. I've said it before but I'll say it again: I really don't want my last experience watching Steve Yzerman play to be him writhing in pain on the ice. Do not deny my the ability to see him play again, Gary Bettman and Bob Goodenow. He deserves a chance to make a better end to his career. Mitch Albom agrees.