Detroit Red Wings completes eyebrow-raising decision and part ways with top prospect
Steve Yzerman and the Detroit Red Wings have decided not to offer an entry-level contract (ELC) to Red Savage, their former 4th-round pick (114th overall, 2021 NHL Draft) and Michigan State Spartans Captain, making him a free agent in 2025.
The Red Wings are trimming their prospect pool, and Savage, despite his captaincy with his current team and two-way play, didn't fit into their future plans.
In the 2024-2025 season, Savage recorded 11 points (5 goals, 6 assists) in 20 games before a season-ending shoulder injury.
While not an offensive standout, the son of former NHLer Brian Savage is known for his solid two-way game and leadership-qualities that could appeal to other NHL teams.
Questions remain about Yzerman's decision: was it the injury or Savage's limited NCAA production?
With a bit of space down low, Savage is a flashy, occasionally dynamic offensive creator. In transition, he manipulates defenders with hands and feet that transmit different information, eye deception, and nearly unmatched pace. Slip and hook passes, even when moving, and a desire to hunt the high-danger option makes him a set-up threat. And, he's a threat from mid-range with his mechanically-sound wrister shot. -EliteProspects 2021 NHL Draft Guide
Two-way forwards are quite rare, leaving fans in question by Yzerman's choice to pass on him.
Surely another NHL organization will pounce on the opportunity of the highly touted prospect now being a free agent.
This is certainly expected to bite general manager Steve Yzerman in the butt, in what could be a regretful move for years to come.
| POLL | ||
MAI 5 | 94 ANSWERS Detroit Red Wings completes eyebrow-raising decision and part ways with top prospect Do you think this decision to part ways with a top prospect will bite Yzerman and the Red Wings in the butt? | ||
| Yes | 35 | 37.2 % |
| No | 59 | 62.8 % |
| List of polls | ||
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