Stephen Gregory Yzerman, born on May 9, 1965, is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player and current executive vice president and general manager of the Detroit Red Wings. Yzerman spent his entire 22-season NHL playing career with the Red Wings, becoming one of the most iconic figures in the sport. Known for his leadership, skill, and dedication, Yzerman is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in NHL history. His contributions to the Red Wings, both as a player and an executive, have solidified his legacy as a Detroit sports legend and a member of the Hockey Hall of Fame.

At the age of 21, Yzerman was named captain of the Red Wings before the 1986–87 season, a role he held for over two decades. This made him the longest-serving captain in North American major league sports history, a testament to his leadership and consistency. Under his captaincy, the Red Wings achieved five first-place regular season finishes and won three Stanley Cup championships in 1997, 1998, and 2002. Yzerman's leadership on and off the ice earned him the nickname "The Captain," and he remains one of the most beloved figures in Detroit sports history.

Throughout his career, Yzerman accumulated numerous accolades, including the Lester B. Pearson Award for the most outstanding player in the 1988–89 season, the Conn Smythe Trophy as the MVP of the Stanley Cup playoffs in 1998, and the Selke Trophy as the league's best defensive forward in 2000. He was also a ten-time NHL All-Star and was named to the All-Rookie Team in 1984. Yzerman retired in 2006 as the sixth all-time leading scorer in NHL history, with his #19 jersey being retired by the Red Wings in 2007. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2009, further cementing his place among the sport's elite.

After retiring as a player, Yzerman transitioned into a successful executive career. He served as vice president of the Red Wings and later became the general manager of the Tampa Bay Lightning, where he built a competitive team that reached the Stanley Cup Finals. In 2019, Yzerman returned to the Red Wings as general manager, continuing his legacy with the franchise. Yzerman has also represented Canada in international competitions, winning Olympic gold medals as both a player and an executive. His contributions to the sport have earned him a place in the IIHF Hall of Fame, and he remains a highly respected figure in the hockey world.

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