Matt Saler @ On the Wings has some really thorough notes from the press conference where Steve Yzerman announced his retirement. Here’s an excerpt:

They opened the floor to questions and Trevor Thompson was the first to say anything. He asked Yzerman what the biggest reason for his decision retire was. The Captain responded that his intention all along had been to retire but his play at the end of the season and into the playoffs had caused him to hesitate. However, when it came time to make the call to Holland to tell him he’d return, he found he couldn’t do it. He said that the condition of his knee was a major consideration since, because of it, he was becoming a “part-time player,” one who couldn’t participate in a full practice. He couldn’t see himself playing a big role because of his knee. …

He was asked what it was like to only play in one city and what his place is among the other great athletes of Detroit. He responded that he, like most draftees, felt he would always be in Detroit. He said he was lucky to actually stay here and attributed it to the team’s success and to fortunate timing. He said he was grateful for the team’s loyalty to him and said Detroit is a great city for athletes. He apparently never had a time where he wanted to play somewhere else, though there were a couple times where he thought he would. He said playing at JLA, and on the road with the sizeable contingents of road Wings fans, made it special.