Red Wings Yzerman Expects Fighting to be Back With a Vengeance

Just about everyone took something away from the recent 4 Nations Face-Off and Detroit Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman was no different.

However, his takeaway might catch you by surprise.

“Based on what happened at the Four Nations, I think whether we like it or not, I think fighting is going to make a comeback now,” Yzerman said. “Because that got your attention.”

Yzerman talked a lot about big bodies, being tougher to play against, and even mentioned that he thinks fighting is going to make a comeback based on what we saw at the 4 Nations. Some insight into where his mind is at looking forward. #LGRW

— Ryan Hana (@RyanHanaWWP) March 7, 2025

That being the start of the first USA vs Canada game of the tournament. By the nine-second mark of the first period, there’d been three bouts of fisticuffs.

Canada’s Brandon Hagel and Matthew Tkachuk of the USA fought just two seconds into the game. Tkachuk’s brother Brady and Canada’s Sam Bennett then dropped their gloves a second later. Another six seconds elapsed before the third fight. It saw JT Miller of the USA and Canada’s Colton Parayko dropping the mitts.

Red Wings Yzerman Supports Fighting

At first glance, that a player like Yzerman, who was known for his elite level of skill, would be a supporter of fighting in hockey might catch you by surprise. However, those who know Yzerman can tell you that he certainly appreciates and in fact, even embraces that element of the game.

When I worked with Bob Probert and Joe Kocur on their Bruise Brothers book, the notion was put forth by the two of them to approach Yzerman to write the foreword. While it certainly would be a positive for the book, I have to admit that I was skeptical that Yzerman would be willing to do it.

Not only was Yzerman in favor of the idea, he welcomed the opportunity excitedly.

Here’s a dirty little secret about the book industry. Most forewords are ghostwritten by the author. You meet with the person who is listed as the writer of the foreword and put something down on paper. Then you show it to the person to get their approval.

Stevie Y Loved Bruise Brothers

That’s not how it worked with Stevie Y. We had an original meeting. Then after the first draft was completed, we went over changes and revisions. This took place three or four times. He was very hands on. It was apparent how much Probert and Kocur meant to him, and he wanted the foreword to be perfect.

He was especially moved by a game against the Buffalo Sabres. During a line brawl, Sabres tough guy Kevin Maguire squared off with Yzerman in a clear mismatch. Seeing his captain in jeopardy, Probert was quick to respond. His sucker punch of Maguire would earn Probert an NHL suspension – and Yzerman’s respect forever.

“On any hockey team, the people who garner the most respect on the ice are the goaltenders and the tough guys, because most peope in the room wouldn’t want either job,” Yzerman wrote.

“Filling the role of enforcer, it’s a brutal way to make a living. It really is, when you think about it: having to go and do battle like that every night.

“If you have an off-night as a goal scorer, you don’t get any goals. If you have an off-night as a heavyweight, you end up unconscious.”