He has earned that right. And in the brave new NHL, the Wings can use all the savvy and leadership Yzerman, 40, brings. No, he doesn't play with speed and flair anymore, but he did score 18 goals during the last season after recovering from knee surgery.

He will begin his 19th season as captain -- the longest streak in NHL history -- and before he retires, he could serve as a significant link from the flashy, three-time champion Wings to the trimmed-down Wings in the salary-cap era.

Thank you Kenny! Steve, you're my hero!