Yzerman rolls with the punches as GM of Lightning

Steve Yzerman is an incredibly bright, well-spoken man, so it's not surprise that in a Q&A with The Tampa Bay Times following the announcement of his four-year contract extension as GM of the Lightning that he provided some insightful, thoughtful answers.

On if anything he felt he wasn’t prepared to handle:

"Well, all the situations you bring up you think you’re prepared for, and until you’ve actually dealt with them and the more you’re on the job the more comfortable you are. The unexpected always comes up.

"We talk about having long-term plans and it’s hard to be specific in those long-term plans because things can change. Players can leave through free agency. Unforeseen opportunities come up, whether it’s with free agents or a particular trade. Things happen. You just have to be prepared to deal with them or make the best decisions you can when these situations arise.

"I’m still relatively new at the position, only four years, and there are going to be things that come along that I haven’t dealt with, and along with my staff we talk things out, think of what the best course of action is."

On his evolution as an executive:

"I’ve learned a great deal. The four years that I spent sitting watching, listening, learning (as a Red Wings vice president under GM Ken Holland) was incredibly beneficial, but until you’re in that seat and making those decisions, then you kind of really understand.

"They’re difficult jobs. They’re hard decisions you have to make. You’re affecting people’s lives. I’ve learned a lot and I think I’m better than I was four years ago and even more prepared and I expect to learn a lot. There are always situations coming up forever that you’ve never dealt with and you learn from."

He also discusses the Vincent Lecavalier buyout, the Martin St. Louis trade and maintaining patience with his vision for the franchise. Excellent read.

Source: Damien Cristodero, Tampa Bay Times