from Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press,

Steve Yzerman joked it was one of his better quotes.

He is at his first training camp as general manager of the Detroit Red Wings, 36 years after his first one as a top prospect. On June 8, 1983, when the Wings drafted Yzerman at fourth overall, he was asked about making the team and replied: "They’re rebuilding. I think I have a chance.”

It’s an answer that resonates today as Yzerman now sits as the judge of an organization that numbers several top prospects on the verge of joining the rebuild anchored by Dylan Larkin.

In the coming weeks, Yzerman will see which of his young players have a chance to make the Wings roster.

Forward Joe Veleno is a speedy playmaker with a nice release on his shot. Forward Filip Zadina is a shifty scorer. Defensemen Dennis Cholowski and Oliwer Kaski both have a knack for making offensive plays. Forward Taro Hirose has a high hockey IQ. For a team that needs an influx of young players in order to regain competitiveness, that’s encouraging.

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added 8:39am, The Wings are tired of losing.