Yzerman Signs One-Year Deal

It's official. Steve Yzerman, 40, has signed a one-year deal with the Red Wings, which will bring him back for his 22nd season. Terms have not been released, but it is believed to be worth between $1.5-2 million. Says GM Ken Holland:

"I'm very pleased to have Steve re-sign for another season with the Red Wings. I'm confident that he has a lot of great hockey left to play."

The signing is a relief to all Wings fans. It was a concern that Yzerman's final time on the ice would stand as Game 5 of the Conference Semifinals against Calgary, when he was severely injured by a puck to the eye. Beyond that, it is great to hear that the Wings signed Yzerman for a reasonable $1.5-2 million (I had him for $1.5M in my payroll analysis), when he was slated to make $4.5 million in 2004-2005. Clearly the Wings could not afford that type of number again.