Steve Yzerman's tenure as general manager of the Detroit Red Wings has been marked by a patient rebuild, a focus on drafting and developing young talent, and strategic moves in free agency and the trade market. While some of his acquisitions have proven successful, and the team is showing signs of improvement, there have inevitably been missed opportunities along the way. Recent reports suggest that a couple of prominent forwards, now with the Edmonton Oilers and Winnipeg Jets, were among Yzerman's targets but ultimately slipped through the Red Wings' grasp.
According to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman, the Red Wings were active this past summer, exploring various avenues to bolster their roster. However, not all pursuits came to fruition, leaving Yzerman to rely heavily on the team's burgeoning young core. While the specific players Friedman mentioned remain unnamed, it's understood that they currently play for the Oilers and Jets. This suggests that Yzerman likely had his sights set on adding scoring punch and offensive depth to a team that has struggled to consistently find the back of the net.
The Red Wings' need for a top-six forward was evident at the trade deadline earlier this year. Despite the presence of talented players like Lucas Raymond, Dylan Larkin, Alex DeBrincat, and Patrick Kane, the team lacked sufficient secondary scoring. The hope was that free-agent signing Vladimir Tarasenko would provide that spark, but his performance didn't quite live up to expectations. Consequently, Yzerman may have to explore other options to boost offensive production, potentially through trades or by giving younger players like Jonatan Berggren and Marco Kasper more opportunities.
Yzerman's overall strategy in Detroit has been one of measured patience. He has prioritized building a strong foundation through the draft, and developing prospects within the organization. This approach contrasts with some other teams that opt for quick fixes through blockbuster trades or high-priced free-agent signings. Yzerman's philosophy emphasizes long-term sustainability over short-term gains.
That being said, the pressure is mounting on Yzerman to deliver tangible results. The Red Wings haven't made the playoffs since 2016, and fans are eager to see the team return to contention. While the recent hiring of former Oilers coach Todd McLellan has sparked a turnaround, the team still needs to add more pieces to the puzzle to become a true playoff contender.
Yzerman acknowledges the need for continued improvement, stating that the team is constructed better and is more competitive. He also expresses confidence in the growth potential of the team's young players, expecting them to play a significant role in pushing the team forward. However, he remains open to exploring opportunities to add talent via trades, particularly if teams are looking to shed salary.
As the Red Wings continue their quest to climb back into the upper echelon of the NHL, Yzerman's decisions will be under intense scrutiny. While he has a proven track record of success, both as a player and a general manager, the challenges in Detroit are significant. The "misses" on Oilers and Jets forwards serve as a reminder that even the best GMs don't win every battle, and that building a Stanley Cup contender is a marathon, not a sprint.
