Stevie, Why? Detroit's Yzerman Bolts To Tampa Bay

The Motor City just lost its beloved hero to another National Hockey League team.

Is it a cause to rejoice for its former captain or reason for fans to feel betrayed?

Steve Yzerman, one of Hockeytown's all-time greats, has left Detroit to aid the ailing Tampa Bay Lightning.

Yzerman, who became a vital piece in the Red Wings' hockey operations as vice president after his retirement in 2006, announced his decision to relocate to the sunshine state Tuesday, May 25.

Widely regarded as the greatest Wing of all-time next to Mr. Hockey, Gordie Howe, the organization's longest tenured captain wanted to run his own club.

That was something that general manager Ken Holland was aware of.

The possibility of calling his own shots was too much for Yzerman to deny, and the man who brought glory back to Detroit hockey in the form of three Stanley Cups should be applauded for his commitment to the game.

Not just to the team that groomed him.

“I’m not just going to run out and jump at an opportunity,” Yzerman told the Detroit Free Press.

“I’ve been in Detroit a long time and I’ve been with the organization a long time, and I like being a part of what we’re doing.

But do I want to run an NHL team one day? Yes, in the right circumstances. And I’m not sitting waiting for Kenny to leave. So that’s the reality of it, is that if I want to run an NHL team, I have to move.”

Yzerman's decision comes as a blow to his loyal fans.

But in the spirit of business, it was a brilliant move. A man with the knowledge and passion for hockey should utilize his skill to the best of his abilities.

Even if it isn't in Hockeytown.

In 1992, then-expansion Tampa Bay, was noted for its logo and putting female goaltender Manon Rheaume between the pipes.

The club has had limited success since coming to the league.

Guided by then-coach John Tortorella, the Lightning captured Lord Stanley's Cup in 2004.

It would be easy for the winged-wheel faithful to revolt against Yzerman, but instead, congratulations may be in order to the man that restored life into a storied franchise.