Steve Yzerman, the Detroit Red Wings’ general manager, expressed encouragement over the team’s progress despite missing the playoffs for an eighth consecutive season, noting a significant improvement in points and minimal anticipated roster changes, while prioritizing contract negotiations with young stars Moritz Seider and Lucas Raymond, and addressing goaltending and defensive challenges for the upcoming season.
The Detroit Red Wings didn’t make the playoffs again. That’s eight years in a row, if you’re counting. But, according to general manager Steve Yzerman, it’s not all doom and gloom. “Overall, I’m encouraged,” he shared with Ansar Khan of MLive.com last Friday. The end of the season? Yeah, it was a letdown. Especially that last week—what a rollercoaster.
They did score 91 points, though. That’s 11 more than the previous season. So, yeah, there’s that.
Yzerman’s not planning a major shakeup for the 2024-25 roster, either. He’s eyeing a couple of players from the AHL’s Grand Griffins to step up. We’re talking Jonatan Berggren and defenseman Albert Johansson. And don’t forget Simon Edvinsson, the 2021 draft’s sixth pick. After a standout stint in Grand Rapids, he’s sticking with Detroit.
There’s talk of re-signing some big names, too. Patrick Kane, David Perron, and Shayne Gostisbehere are on that list. But, Kane might be heading out.
Now, onto the big deals. Yzerman’s got his eyes on Moritz Seider and Lucas Raymond. These guys are the future. Seider’s a defensive rock, and Raymond? He’s the scoring ace, leading with 72 points. They’re in line for some sweet contracts.
But the goalie situation? It’s a bit of a mess. Ville Husso and Alex Lyon are under contract, but it’s been rough. Husso’s been benched with injuries, and Lyon, well, he’s had his moments. James Reimer might be saying goodbye, too.
Coach Derek Lalonde is likely sticking around. But Yzerman’s clear: the team’s defense needs work. “We got to become a better defensive hockey team,” he insists. It’s on the coaches and players now. Time to step up.
