Trade completed between the Detroit Red Wings and Chicago Blackhawks: It's one of Yzerman's worst
Photo credit: ESPN
Steve Yzerman's worst trade of 2025 for the Detroit Red Wings was for Petr Mrazek and Craig Smith, in an attempt to make a "push for the playoffs".
Near the end of 2025, Steve Yzerman traded center Joe Veleno to the Chicago Blackhawks in a mediocre attempt to address the "push to the playoffs".
Despite his and Todd McLellan's best efforts, the team wasn't built to win last season, and securing a veteran goalie like Mrazek, who is past his prime, and Smith, whose been purely a fourth-liner these past few years, did nothing.
The Red Wings would experience a brief resurgence under the leadership of McLellan, but Smith and Mrazek did little to help them push into a Wild Card spot.
Subpar Acquisitions for A Subpar GM
Smith would only play 19 games for the Red Wings and score 2 points (2A) at best as a fourth-liner.
While Mrazek would play 5 games, and have a considerable impact, playing above .900, with a .901 save percentage. He'd play only 5 games for the Red Wings, with a 2.49 GAA.
But was this good enough in the long run?
No. The team finished the year with a 39-35-8 record, and no sign of winning the wild card race in the Eastern Conference.
Now, Petr Mrazek is suiting up for the Anaheim Ducks, while Craig Smith is a UFA and hasn't found a home after his dismal showing in a Red Wings uniform.
The Red Wings currently have $12.08 million in cap space available and continue to sit on it.
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