How can Steve Yzerman save the Detroit Red Wings?
After taking over as executive vice president and general manager in April 2019, Yzerman was expected to return the Red Wings to relevancy. While reaching the heights of Yzerman’s prime felt unrealistic (three Cups in 1997, 1998, and 2002 as a player, and one as part of the management team in 2008), this lack of success warms his seat.
Detroit has not made the postseason in any of Yzerman’s years at the helm, and the drought stretches back to 2016. The Red Wings have also not advanced past the first round since 2013.
While Detroit saw improvement under replacement head coach Todd McLellan (26-18-4 record in 2024-25), there were still plenty of holes to address this summer. Yzerman’s lone big move so far was trading for goaltender John Gibson from the Anaheim Ducks.
They remain uninvolved with the marquee free agents and have already missed out on most of the top dogs. Here is what Yzerman had to say on the Red Wings’ frustrating free agency experience:
“We didn’t even get a chance to talk to those guys (the top free agents). They all signed with their clubs or were traded before free agency. Not much we can do about that.”
Yzerman is one of the most relentless competitors in a sport filled with them and is doing everything in his power to return his beloved franchise to glory.
Detroit does have a nice mix of young talent (Mo Seider, Lucas Raymond, Michael Rasmussen maybe?) and reliable veterans (Dylan Larkin, Alex Debrincat, Gibson), but this still feels like a team a big piece or two away from playoff contention.
Should the Red Wings experience another disappointing campaign, Yzerman’s seat will grow hotter, and the frustration will continue to mount.
