Yes, this franchise amassed four Stanley Cups between 1997 and 2008 with a roster full of Hall of Famers. However, fans have endured a painful decline after their 25-year playoff streak ended in 2017.
The Red Wings' hopes for a revival rest with a familiar face: former captain Steve Yzerman. After building the Tampa Bay Lightning into a powerhouse, Yzerman returned to Detroit as GM in 2019, taking over from Ken Holland, who struggled in the salary cap era.
Yzerman inherited a team that had long been out of the draft lottery and relied on strategies no longer viable in the modern NHL. His first year was one of the worst seasons in NHL history, though the pandemic cut it short. Despite these challenges, Yzerman's leadership is a beacon of hope for the Red Wings' future.