Ex-Wings captain excited at chance to learn management side as team's vice president.

Ted Kulfan / The Detroit News

No, not on the ice, but in the front office -- Yzerman was named vice president of the organization Monday.

"For me initially it gives me an opportunity to see how I fit in a little bit and really learn how it (the front office) operates," Yzerman said after practice.

Yzerman retired as a player July 3. Since then, he has met with senior vice president Jimmy Devellano and general manager Ken Holland to develop a role in the organization.

"I've always wanted to stay in the game and with this organization," Yzerman said. "I get a chance to slowly learn and see how it works and I'm very pleased with that."

Yzerman will work with Devellano, Holland and assistant GM Jim Nill and learn all aspects of the front office, including contract negotiations, trades and player evaluations.

"It'll be an education as to how the business works," Yzerman said.

In his new role, Yzerman said he's not an heir apparent to Holland.

"We'll figure it (his role) out as we go along, and where I fit in one or five years from now, I don't know, but we'll play it out," Yzerman said.

"(But) I'm not the heir apparent to Kenny."

In the locker room, players were pleased to see Yzerman back in the game.

"It'll be good to have him back in the organization," defenseman Nicklas Lidstrom said. "It's a big job for him. I'm happy for Steve."

Coach Mike Babcock wasn't surprised to see Yzerman remain active in the game.

"You can't be as good as he is without passion for the game," Babcock said. "He's not working in hockey because he needs the money. He has a burning desire to be here.

"He loves hockey and he's good with people and he's results-oriented. He understands who can help and who can't, and having Kenny Holland, Jimmy Devellano and Jimmy Nill to help along the way, he'll carve out a niche for himself."

Yzerman said despite the start of camp, and the beginning of the season next week, he hasn't had second thoughts about retiring.

"I was ready to make the transition and retire," Yzerman said. "This position allows me to stay involved and be around, but as far as playing, you always want to play, but I realize it's over with."