August 3, 2005

BY HELENE ST. JAMES
FREE PRESS SPORTS WRITER

On the day he announced his comeback for a 22nd season, Red Wings captain Steve Yzerman also spoke about what he'd like to do when his playing days are over.

"My goal is to one day run a hockey team, to be the guy responsible for putting everybody in place, for signing players to contracts," Yzerman said Tuesday.

And he has the perfect role model.

In years past, Yzerman skated at Joe Louis Arena while Joe Dumars dribbled at the Palace of Auburn Hills. In the future, both could have desk jobs running their old clubs.

Dumars, of course, already is established as the Pistons' president of basketball operations. Under his guidance, the Pistons won an NBA championship in 2004 and reached Game 7 of the Finals this year before bowing to the San Antonio Spurs.

On Tuesday, Yzerman said he has studied everything Dumars has done and said that Dumars' path is one he'd like to follow with the Wings.

"I followed his career from player to a management position and follow his team closely," Yzerman said. "I read all his interviews, watch his transactions. I read the reasons he gives to the media for the moves he makes."

Yzerman also keeps a keen eye on his own people -- specifically general manager Ken Holland, assistant general manager Jim Nill and executive vice president Jimmy Devellano, who back in 1983 was the team's general manager and the man who drafted Yzerman fourth overall.

"Between observing Joe from afar and talking to Ken and Jim Nill and Jimmy D over the years, I've learned a lot," Yzerman said.

Yzerman and Dumars have lived in the same area for two decades -- Dumars joined the Pistons in 1985, two years after Yzerman began his career with the Wings -- and they occasionally meet at local events.

"The first thing that strikes you about him is his humility and class," Dumars said of Yzerman.

As for offering insight into when Yzerman might be ready to move on to management, Dumars said it's a difficult feeling to describe.

"As a player, you and only you know in your heart when you've had enough," Dumars said. "I think every player knows when it's time for him to quit."

When Yzerman makes that decision -- and so far he hasn't ruled out playing beyond the upcoming season -- his transition probably won't mirror that of Dumars. Unlike the Pistons, who desperately needed a strong and respected figure to anchor the organization, the Wings have a well-established and successful management team in place.

"I have no expectation of retiring and taking a significant management position with the Red Wings," Yzerman said. "My goals are realistic in doing something like that. My route will take a little bit longer."