Steve Yzerman calls out the Arizona Coyotes over cheating allegations

Steve Yzerman met with the media to discuss the vibe in Detroit after his team who won 17 games, ended up with the #4 overall draft pick in the NHL's upcoming draft. Disappointment, surely, but Yzerman doesn't want people feeling sorry for the Red Wings. Instead 'Stevie Y' was quick to point out the Wings will be able to select an elite prospect at #4, and he also made time to chirp the Arizona Coyotes about cheating at the draft combine.

With the current pandemic pause, NHL teams won't be able to hold a combine to test the top prospects. GM's and their scouting departments will have to use endless hours of game tape and a stroke of luck this year, as this draft is certainly going to have a different look/feel/smell. Teams are going to take bigger risks and expect some off-the-board moves early and often.

While Yzerman was busy answering questions about his team, he made a point of calling out the Coyotes indirectly about their cheating scandal. When Yzerman was asked about the combine and how teams won't be able to get any data on the prospects, Stevie Y had this to say:

Every team but one, actually

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Steve Yzerman knows all about 4th overall picks, he was one. So were Ron Francis, Paul Kariya, Roberto Luongo, Nicklas Backstrom, Alex Pietrangelo, Evander Kane, Ryan Johansen, Seth Jones, Mitch Marner, Cale Makar, and Brady Tkachuk. Needless to say, you can get some talent at 4.

Sources say it’s believed there are at least 20 incidents of the Arizona Coyotes fitness testing draft eligible players. NHL deputy commissioner, Bill Daly and NHL lawyers are now managing the case.

— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) February 8, 2020

While the NHL continues to investigate the Coyotes, the rest of the league, including Steve Yzerman and the Red Wings, have put a huge target on the desert dogs. But if you ain't cheating, you ain't trying.

via GIPHY