Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman needs to get aggressive this summer

It’s another long offseason in Hockeytown, and it’s time for the boss to start making waves to turn his team’s fortunes around.

The Detroit Red Wings finished outside of the playoff picture for the ninth consecutive season, taking a considerable step back after narrowly missing the playoffs in the 2023-24 campaign.

Many criticized general manager Steve Yzerman for being too cautious when it comes to his decision, with Yzerman himself stating that he hasn’t gone after big names at the trade deadline because he hasn’t felt like his team has earned the status as a contender.

However, after six seasons on the job, the clock seems to be ticking on Yzerman, and if the Red Wings want to be a force next season, it will require him to make some moves this summer to put together a roster capable of ending the franchise’s long playoff drought.

On Tuesday’s edition of Daily Faceoff LIVE, Frank Seravalli and Tyler Yaremchuk discuss why Yzerman needs to be on the attack during the offseason.

Tyler Yaremchuk:  How do you think Yzerman approaches this year’s free agency class or trade market? Do you think he gets aggressive? Do you think he stays the course? 

Frank Seravalli: I think he has no choice but to be aggressive. I think we’ve gone this far in the Yzerplan that they need to show significant progress. I thought a significant move in bringing in Todd McClellan, who appeared to buoy this team for a bit of time after Boxing Day, and then they fell off again. I think they’ve made the mistake of putting the cart before the horse. You see Patrick Kane. He was fine last season. But that’s a whipped cream on a sundae. Vladimir Tarasenko is a cherry on top. Those are for contending teams, not teams that are trying to break in and be playoff teams. You’ve got to have young players that are part of your core that can help get you there. Yes, you need veteran support, but it has to be more than that. 

You can watch the full segment and entire episode here…