Steve Yzerman's recent comments could lead to several Detroit Red Wings requesting trades away
Photo credit: NHL.com
A recent report from The Athletic's Max Bultman has revealed a true flaw in Steve Yzerman's current mindset, where he expects several key players to 'take a step' rather than giving his roster better players to suite up in the 2025-26 NHL season.
Steve Yzerman had quite the underwhelming NHL free agency frenzy, his two biggest moves were inking James Van Riemsdyk to a one-year, $1M contract, and extending Patrick Kane's time in Detroit.
While other teams flourished, acquiring big-named talent, the Red Wings continue to stay medicore on paper.
Steve Yzerman doesn't see a problem in it, and took another opportunity to call for several specific players to "take a step", rather than providing them with more support in the lineup.
«If we can't do anything, maybe we get better simply by: Marco (Kasper) takes another step, Simon (Edvinsson) takes another step, Albert (Johansson) takes another step,» Yzerman said. «Maybe one of these young guys that played in GR last year, whoever it is, takes another step and goes on our team. I'm going to keep trying. We will keep trying. But the worst thing I can do is make a move out of desperation or panic and move our young players out here (in a deal) that doesn't make us any better.»
Yzerman's call out to players contradicts itself
Yzerman specifically started by calling out Marco Kasper, who has already done more than enough to bring his point production to the most in what was just his first NHL season.
"Unsurprisingly, Dom Luszczyszyn's model already has Kasper projected to deliver top-six value next season."
But what about Simon Edvinsson, who also caught a stray from Yzerman to "take a step"?
The young defenseman is already deemed a top-pair caliber defenseman, he cannot exceed that window any further.
"Luszczyszyn's model already has Edvinsson comfortably as a top-pair caliber defenseman, and the names who have seen similar results at this age have gone on to some excellent careers as impactful defenders."
Others, like Albert Johansson, have also taken great steps with their progression at the NHL level.
The Yzerplan could lead to Red Wings players requesting trades
With the current 'Yzerplan' mindset, it would not be a surprise if players decide to sign with another organization come time their contract expires.
With players already exceeding expectations, it's certainly a spit in the face for Yzerman to expect them to reach another level, while offering no support.
This is exactly what captain Dylan Larkin was talking about when he voiced his displeasure in Yzerman not acquiring many supporting pieces at this past March 7th NHL trade deadline, despite the Red Wings roster down a few players due to injury.
| POLL | ||
JUILLET 10 | 194 ANSWERS Steve Yzerman's recent comments could lead to several Detroit Red Wings requesting trades away As a Red Wings fan, have you given up on the Yzerplan? | ||
| Yes | 64 | 33 % |
| No | 130 | 67 % |
| List of polls | ||
