Elliotte Friedman reveals a failed signing by the Red Wings that would've changed things

Even though Steve Yzerman did great by bringing in John Gibson on the trade market earlier in the offseason, to say the job is done in Detroit would be a blatant lie.

At least another acquisition must be made by Yzerman to say he did what he could to help the team bounce back after missing out on the playoffs once again in 2024-25.

But according to Elliotte Friedman, most players Yzerman wanted to talk to in free agency signed elsewhere, such as Viktor Arvidsson, Mason Marchment, and Nikolaj Ehlers.

It was also revealed that Yzerman's confidence in himself could hurt him, as he refuses to hand out term to players, making it hard to attract free agents to Detroit:

At some point, players want to compete in a great market, with great players, under great coaches and managers.

While the Wings have a big market, are an up-and-coming team, and have a new coaching staff, Yzerman isn't in a position to impose his conditions on players. He's definitely on a hot seat and must make the team better.

To see that most of the top players available chose other organizations and didn't even speak with Detroit highlights the fact that other teams are more attractive to players than the Wings.

Hopefully, he'll have learned from his mistakes by the same time next year, and if he's still in office, will make compelling offers to players in what will be a stacked free agency.