Lightning/NHL

Yzerman stays with Wings as VP

By ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published September 26, 2006

DETROIT - Steve Yzerman joined the Detroit front office Monday, becoming the vice president of the Red Wings.

Yzerman, the former captain, helped guide Detroit to Stanley Cup victories in 1997, '98 and 2002. He retired in July.

"After retiring as the longest-serving captain in NHL history and the on-ice leader of our franchise for 23 years, it is only fitting that he join our management team," owner Mike Ilitch said in a statement.

Yzerman ranks eighth all-time in the NHL with 185 playoff points. The 10-time All-Star led all active players last season with 1,755 regular-season points, a total that trails only five others in league history.

"It's initially going to be an education in how the business works and how the management side of running a team works," Yzerman said.

PENGUINS: Rookie Evgeni Malkin, re-examined by doctors, will not need surgery on his dislocated left shoulder but could be sidelined up to six weeks.

Malkin, expected to team with Sidney Crosby to give Pittsburgh one of the NHL's top center combinations, was injured during his first exhibition game Wednesday. Malkin collided with teammate John LeClair behind the net during a game in New Brunswick.

The team did not set a timetable for a return. If Malkin is out a month, he likely will miss the first seven games.

BLUES: Brett Hull, the high-scoring former St. Louis star who set numerous franchise records in 11 seasons with the Blues, will have his No. 16 jersey retired in December.

Hull holds franchise records for goals (527), hat tricks (27), game-winning goals (70), power-play goals (195) and shots on goal (3,367) and ranks second in assists (409), points (936) and short-handed goals (18).

[Last modified September 26, 2006, 01:10:21]