What Happens To Steve Yzerman If Detroit Misses the Playoffs?
During a recent appearance on Sirius XM NHL Network Radio’s Morning Skate, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman discussed the future of Steve Yzerman as the General Manager of the Detroit Red Wings.
Concerns Over Yzerman’s Patience
Gord Stellick raised the question of the Red Wings’ fate if they fail to qualify for the playoffs again, probing whether it would be viewed as a mere setback or a significant crisis. Friedman observed that deciphering Yzerman’s true intentions is notoriously difficult, likening him to a skilled poker player who rarely reveals his hand. Despite the Red Wings’ recent struggles, Friedman believes Yzerman is deeply frustrated.
He noted that a slight consolation in a recent loss was that other teams vying for playoff spots in the Eastern Conference also stumbled, mitigating the negative impact. However, Friedman highlighted the team’s visible tension, suggesting this might be particularly galling for Yzerman. Yzerman himself thrived under high-pressure situations as a player, but the current Red Wings appear to falter when the stakes are highest.
A More Aggressive Approach Needed?
Friedman also speculated on a potential organizational shift, pondering if Yzerman might consider delegating the General Manager role to another individual. This move, he suggested, could allow a new voice to leave a distinct imprint on the organization, despite Yzerman’s reputation for running a tight ship. Friedman mentioned Yzerman’s upcoming 61st birthday in May, clarifying that age doesn’t imply incapability.
He expressed profound respect for Yzerman’s diligent work ethic, acknowledging him as a tireless ‘grinder’ who never cuts corners. This led Friedman to wonder if Yzerman might contemplate empowering someone else with a more significant voice in the team’s management, rather than solely shouldering all responsibilities himself.
The Red Wings’ Playoff Imperative
The Detroit Red Wings are currently locked in a fierce battle for a wild card playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. Their challenging March saw them post a 5-7-2 record, further complicated by injuries to key players, including captain Dylan Larkin. This season was deemed pivotal for Detroit, as an Original Six franchise enduring a decade-long playoff drought is increasingly unsustainable.
Tensions within the team surfaced last year when Larkin publicly questioned Yzerman’s inaction at the trade deadline. Yzerman countered by asserting the team shouldn’t have needed external help and that players were responsible for their performance – a stance characteristic of his competitive nature. While Yzerman’s competitive drive is evident, the importance of team morale should not be underestimated. Although Yzerman brought in Todd McLellan to coach the team, questions persist regarding the development and utilization of younger players, especially as the team often leans on veterans in a league that is progressively embracing youth.
Yzerman consistently reiterates that the team is still in a building phase and on the cusp of success. However, if Detroit misses the playoffs again, particularly after narrowly missing out in 2024 due to tiebreakers, the fanbase and analysts will undoubtedly question the timeline for the Red Wings’ long-promised resurgence. Securing a playoff berth is now crucial. Given Yzerman’s legendary status and contributions to the organization, his outright dismissal would be a difficult decision. Instead, ownership might explore options such as elevating him to a different role or transitioning him out of the day-to-day GM responsibilities.
