Detroit Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman rules out crucial move that would improve team instantly
The Detroit Red Wings are once again spectators as other teams compete in the Stanley Cup playoffs.
The St. Louis Blues will take on the Winnipeg Jets in Game 7 of their NHL Western Conference first-round series on today.
The Blues have been supported by their GM this season by additions of forward Dylan Holloway and defenseman Philip Broberg, acquired from the Edmonton Oilers via offer sheets that Edmonton declined to match.
Holloway scored 26 goals, second on the team, while Broberg tallied up eight goals and 29 points.
After missing the playoffs last year, St. Louis's success with these acquisitions raises the question: could Detroit Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman consider offer sheets for restricted free agents (RFAs) to turn his team's fortunes around?
Likely not.
Yzerman's Stance on Offer Sheets
«I've never really considered [offer sheets] because you usually don't get the player,» Yzerman said. «St. Louis got two last year, and they're really helping them. Good for the Blues. It was a great move.»
However, Yzerman remains nervous-like about the long-term value of offer sheets.
He argues that teams often overpay RFAs, disrupting their salary cap structure.
This can lead to demands for higher salaries from other players, creating financial strain, according to Yzerman... but it's surely worked out in the St. Louis Blues' favor.
«You end up overpaying players and screwing up your internal payroll,» Yzerman explained. «It's short-term gain for long-term pain.»
While Yzerman acknowledges the Blues' success in exploiting Edmonton's cap constraints, he remains cautious.
«They took advantage of a team in a vulnerable position, and it worked,» he said. «Is it something to consider? Yeah. Do I see us doing it? Probably not.»
«You have to believe you're going to get the player,» Yzerman noted. «Otherwise, it doesn't make sense. I'm open to it, but I wouldn't expect much.»
| POLL | ||
MAI 4 | 100 ANSWERS Detroit Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman rules out crucial move that would improve team instantly Do you think Steve Yzerman is too cautious as a general manager? | ||
| Yes | 54 | 54 % |
| No | 46 | 46 % |
| List of polls | ||
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