“We’ve got kids anywhere from 18 to 24 (years old),” Yzerman stated. “It’s a huge difference. The 24-year-olds are physically developed. A majority of the 18-year-olds are young and not as strong. So we just watch to see where they’re at. We get a chance to see three other organizations’ prospects as well, so we do a little bit of scouting.”

Describing the Red Wings’ upcoming schedule in Traverse City introduced again particular reminiscences for Yzerman, who spent his total 22-year NHL profession with Detroit.  

“That area is awesome,” Yzerman stated about Traverse City. “Players love going up. The first time we went up was the summer of ’97, after we won the Stanley Cup. You’re done at noon or 1 o’clock, then the guys go golf, fishing or whatever they want to do. They have a lot of fun.”

Yzerman is aware of the significance of bonding because it pertains to group success, a course of he stated begins annually in Hockeytown North.

“Especially on a team like ours, where we got a lot of new faces,” Yzerman stated. “Our group, led by Dylan (Larkin), is really good. They get together a lot and grab the young guys. They don’t just go off and do their own thing. They do a lot together. It’s a chance for everybody to socialize a little bit and get to know the new faces.”