Time & Perspective Quote by Steve Yzerman

A hockey executive doesn’t invoke “history” and “following” by accident; he’s selling Detroit as an institution, not merely a roster. Coming from Steve Yzerman - a player who captained the Red Wings through their modern golden age and now runs the team - the line is less a fun fact than a claim to legitimacy. It’s a reminder that in a league that chases new markets and shiny expansions, some franchises still trade in inheritance.

The phrasing does quiet double duty. “Very few cities” makes it sound measured, almost humble, while still planting Detroit near the top of the NHL’s cultural hierarchy. And “cities” matters: he’s not praising an ownership group or a brand. He’s tethering the Red Wings to Detroit itself, treating the fan base as a civic fact rather than a consumer choice. “Following” isn’t just attendance; it’s diaspora loyalty, the kind of fandom that persists through rebuilds, economic downturns, and the long hangover after a dynasty.

Context sharpens the intent. Yzerman has been tasked with restoring a team that once felt inevitable and lately has felt mortal. In that moment, the most valuable asset isn’t a prospect pool; it’s patience. This line reassures fans that their devotion is seen, and it signals to players, agents, and sponsors that Detroit remains a stage with stakes. It’s recruitment copy dressed as respect: come here and you’re not just playing games, you’re entering a story people already care about.