Ansar Khan of Mlive answered questions from his readers and of course questions on Blashill came about...
Yzerman has not responded to interview requests and rarely speaks to the media, so I can only tell you what he told NHL.com at the general managers meeting on Nov. 20:
“I think (Blashill) and his staff are doing a really good job of preparing the players, of practicing. I like to think we're improving from training camp to the start of the regular season. As we speak here today, I think you’re seeing good progress in our team.”
They have gone 0-9 since, so maybe Yzerman’s opinion has changed – or maybe it hasn’t.
Certainly, the team's performance indicates a change is needed behind the bench. But like I said last week, I don't think it would yield much different results because the roster lacks talent.
Bylsma surely would be the interim if Yzerman makes a change. But I get the feeling Bylsma is not who Yzerman has in mind as the next permanent head coach or else he would have made the change by now.
I also think character matters, especially with news that has surfaced in recent weeks about other NHL coaches. Blashill is a good person who is well-respected in the organization.
added 7:13pm, from John Niyo of the Detroit News,
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