Yzerman cites family reasons for stepping aside as GM

Family comes first for Steve Yzerman.

"This change is important for me, (and it) will allow me to spend more time with my family," the former Tampa Bay Lightning general manager and new senior adviser told reporters, including FOX Sports Sun's Caley Chelios, at a Tuesday press conference that made the switch in title official.

Lightning owner Jeff Vinik told Yzerman he respected his decision to step down and agreed it was the right one for the former GM and his family, according to CBS Tampa's Ryan Bass.

The distance between the Yzerman family's home and his job in Tampa Bay undoubtedly played a role in the move.

Yzerman all these years has been commuting from Detroit to Tampa Bay, his family had stayed behind in Michigan. It takes a toll. I can't say I saw this coming at all, but you can certainly understand the reason why. https://t.co/TB6a5sIFIn

- Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) September 11, 2018

Yzerman said he plans to serve as senior adviser for at least a year, but when asked about his plans beyond that, he said he doesn't know, according to The Athletic's Joe Smith.

He has one year remaining on his contract with the Lightning, and spent the last eight seasons as the club's GM after being hired in May 2010.

Julien BriseBois will take over as general manager after serving as assistant GM for eight years.

Copyright (C) 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.