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Duffer’s Dabbles: 2001-02 Red Wings All Over NHL Front Offices

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Steve Yzerman, Detroit Red Wings GM
Steve Yzerman thinks theirpassion for hockey is what is leading so many 2001-02 Red WIngs in NHL management.

As the Detroit Red Wings were announcing Nicklas Lidstrom as their new vice-president of hockey operations, it brought back happy memories to Wings fans. It also brought to eight the number of players from Detroit’s 2001-02 Stanley Cup championship team who now work in NHL management positions.

That’s including the man who hired Lidstrom, Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman. As well, Brendan Shanahan (Toronto Maple Leafs) and Luc Robitaille (Los Angeles Kings) are serving as team presidents. Brett Hull is an executive vice-president with the St. Louis Blues.

Back to the Red Wings, Kris Draper is director of amateur scouting, Jiri Fischer is associate director of player personnel and Kirk Maltby is a pro scout.

Yzerman isn’t the least bit surprised by this development.

“The majority of that group were really into hockey, are passionate for it – watching it, being around it,” Yzerman said. “And that shows in them wanting to continue on. A lot of great players when they retire, a lot of hockey players once they’re done, they just want to go on and do something else of other interest. But with this particular group, one, they love the challenge. The wins and the losses matter. Two, they’re very competitive. They want that involvement. They love the game.

“A lot of being in management and coaching, it’s not real glamorous – traveling on airplanes and going around. You really gotta love the game to be involved with it. And that group of guys, no I’m not really surprised. The majority of them were really into hockey and love being a part of it.”

Champions League

Red Wings draft pick William Wallinder and Rogle are going to the Champions League final in Europe. Rogle beat Frolunda 3-1 in Tuesday’s second leg to take their semifinal 8-4 on aggregate.

Defenseman Wallinder skated 17:52 and was a game-high plus-2. For Frolunda, Red Wings prospects Simon Edvinsson (17:04), Theodor Niederbach (4:20) and Elmer Soderblom (15:49) all saw action.

Around The League

Pittsburgh: Evgeni Malkin scored in his return to the Penguins lineup.

Boston: The Bruins made it official, signing goalie Tuukka Rask to a one-year $1 millon contract.

San Jose: The Sharks scored the winner in Tuesday’s 3-2 overtime verdict over the Red Wings shortly after a Wings fan tossed an octopus on the ice.