Five things we have learned about Steve Yzerman

Here's a summary of his key strategies and tendencies:

Sticking to the Plan: Yzerman has adhered closely to his long-term vision, the Yzerplan, often emphasizing patience and development over immediate success. He has avoided making major trades or acquiring high-profile free agents to push for short-term playoff appearances. Instead, his focus has been building a strong core of young players like Moritz Seider and Lucas Raymond to develop a sustained championship contender.

Overripening Prospects: Yzerman follows a philosophy similar to his mentor, Ken Holland, by allowing prospects to develop fully in the AHL or junior leagues before bringing them up to the NHL. This approach aims to ensure that players are NHL-ready and capable of thriving in the league. This has led to a cautious approach with prospects like Jonatan Berggren and Simon Edvinsson.

Keeping Cards Close to the Vest: Yzerman is known for his discretion and secrecy regarding team matters. He rarely discloses his intentions or strategies, leaving fans and media guessing about his next moves. This has contributed to the Red Wings' reputation for being "leak-proof."

Prioritizing Compete Level and Two-Way Ability: Yzerman's draft strategy emphasizes players who demonstrate strong work ethic, grit, and a commitment to both ends of the ice. His picks, like Marco Kasper, Nate Danielson, and Michael Brandsegg-Nygård, reflect this focus on two-way play and competitiveness.

Unpredictability: Yzerman is known for his willingness to make unconventional decisions. This includes surprising moves like trading up in the 2021 draft for Sebastian Cossa or waiving higher-salaried players like Jakub Vrana and Alex Nedeljkovic when he deems them no longer fitting the team's needs.

As Yzerman continues to build the Red Wings, the focus will shift from rebuilding to becoming a playoff contender. His past decisions provide a foundation, but how he adapts and manages the team moving forward will be crucial in determining the success of his tenure.

Source: The Hockey Writers
Red Wings: 5 Things We've Learned About Steve Yzerman