What to Make of the Yzerplan?

[Run the Jewels]

I wanted to put all of my thoughts together in one spot, so I created a Substack article to cover the state of the franchise when Steve Yzerman returned, his drafting strategy, his free agent signings, and when I think the team will turn the corner.

This article is very long, but it's free to read - no paywall, no advertising. I'd be interested in your thoughts..

Here's the link: What to Make of the Yzerplan?

 

[GarlicbreadTB]

Started reading and it's a nice piece so far.

 

[Dotter]

Summary of "What to Make of the Yzerplan" (April 2025)

Core Argument:The article argues that despite nine straight playoff misses, Steve Yzerman is executing a coherent and promising long-term rebuild strategy for the Detroit Red Wings. The team is close to entering a window of competitiveness, potentially by the 2026-27 season, if three remaining roster gaps (scoring-line left winger, top-4 left-shot defenseman, and goaltending stability) are addressed through trades or free agency.

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Historical Context:

• Yzerman took over as GM in April 2019, inheriting a team in cap hell with minimal elite talent (only Dylan Larkin and Filip Hronek as true building blocks).
• Ken Holland's "retool on the fly" failed due to poor drafting, especially by North American scouts, and bad contracts.
• Yzerman's experience rebuilding Tampa Bay laid the groundwork for his methodical, draft-based strategy.

---

Yzerman's Rebuild Blueprint:

• Goal: Build a sustainable core capable of competing for a Stanley Cup over a long window.
• Key needs upon arrival: 4 scoring wingers, 1 scoring center, 3 top-4 defensemen, 2 goalies.
• Successes:
  
  • Drafted Moritz Seider (2019), Lucas Raymond (2020), Simon Edvinsson, Marco Kasper, Axel Sandin-Pellikka.
  • Trades: Acquired DeBrincat (via Bertuzzi trade), Sebastian Cossa and Buchelnikov (via Mantha trade), and built prospect depth.
  • European scouting has continued to excel under Hakan Andersson.

---

Current Core (as of April 2025):

• Forwards: Larkin, Raymond, DeBrincat, Kasper (+ prospects like Plante, Buchelnikov).
• Defense: Seider, Edvinsson, Sandin-Pellikka.
• Goalies: Talbot/Mrazek (stopgaps); prospects: Cossa, Augustine.

---

Criticism of Yzerman's Tenure:

• Waited too long to fire coach Derek Lalonde during 2024 collapse.
• North American scouting still underwhelming but improving.
• Free agent signings mostly average; filled gaps but few long-term solutions (e.g., Chiarot, Holl, Compher).
• Goalie signings have largely underperformed.

---

Coaching & Development:

• Hiring of Todd McLellan in late 2024 rejuvenated team performance.
• Kasper and Edvinsson have emerged as key pieces.
• Core is young, with most foundational players under 24.

---

Projection for 2026-27:

• Core forwards: Larkin, Raymond, DeBrincat, Kasper, possibly Brandsegg-Nygård or Danielson.
• Defense: Seider, Edvinsson, Sandin-Pellikka + 1 TBD top-4 LHD.
• Goaltending: Cossa or Augustine (if ready), with a veteran bridge goalie likely needed.

---

Conclusion:Yzerman's plan is deliberate and appears on track. The Red Wings have a strong draft-developed core, cap flexibility, and a respected front office. If they can address three key areas, the competitive window will likely open by 2026-27, fulfilling Yzerman's vision of a long-term contender rather than a quick-fix playoff team.

 

[Zetterberg4Captain]

I wanted to put all of my thoughts together in one spot, so I created a Substack article to cover the state of the franchise when Steve Yzerman returned, his drafting strategy, his free agent signings, and when I think the team will turn the corner.

This article is very long, but it's free to read - no paywall, no advertising. I'd be interested in your thoughts..

Here's the link: What to Make of the Yzerplan?

You really did a great job here with this article...

 

[Dotter]

Yeah good write up and I agree with it.

 

[stillwater]

For the record, I chose "no thanks".

 

[schuelma24]

Well done and I'll repeat what I've said a few times the last few weeks- for the *long term* contention plan, I'm more optimistic this year as opposed to last year.

Yes, they almost snuck in the playoffs last year - and did it with one new player making the lineup at the end of the season (Ed).

This year you have Kasper, Ed full time, Johansson, and Soderblom all stepping in and Ed as a legit top 4 D and Kasper looking like a legit 2C. That's absolutely huge.

 

[GarlicbreadTB]

Well done and I'll repeat what I've said a few times the last few weeks- for the *long term* contention plan, I'm more optimistic this year as opposed to last year.

Yes, they almost snuck in the playoffs last year - and did it with one new player making the lineup at the end of the season (Ed).

This year you have Kasper, Ed full time, Johansson, and Soderblom all stepping in and Ed as a legit top 4 D and Kasper looking like a legit 2C. That's absolutely huge.

Exactly and especially when more are coming too. I'm quite optimistic about the future.

 

[DanielMarois]

Good article, but I think you may be underestimating one factor, which is if the window opens in 26-27 then Larkin will be 31 and Kane will be gone. That potential drop in production will have to be replaced and if Larkin drops in production noticeably due to age, that's a big issue because a point producing #1 C is one of the toughest positions to fill. And quite frankly, Montreal has shown you can have a quick rebuild and set yourself up for long-term success too.

 

[schuelma24]

Good article, but I think you may be underestimating one factor, which is if the window opens in 26-27 then Larkin will be 31 and Kane will be gone. That potential drop in production will have to be replaced and if Larkin drops in production noticeably due to age, that's a big issue because a point producing #1 C is one of the toughest positions to fill. And quite frankly, Montreal has shown you can have a quick rebuild and set yourself up for long-term success too.

I think anointing Montreal as having passed the rebuild is a bit premature. They got 91 points, just like Detroit last year.

For the record, I really like their young players and they definitely exceeded expectations, but growth is rarely completely linear.

 

[Run the Jewels]

Well done and I'll repeat what I've said a few times the last few weeks- for the *long term* contention plan, I'm more optimistic this year as opposed to last year.

Yes, they almost snuck in the playoffs last year - and did it with one new player making the lineup at the end of the season (Ed).

This year you have Kasper, Ed full time, Johansson, and Soderblom all stepping in and Ed as a legit top 4 D and Kasper looking like a legit 2C. That's absolutely huge.

Yeah, I think the biggest misperception at this point - and perhaps this includes Dylan Larkin - is that the free agent signings to date weren't finishing touches on a team expected to compete. They were mostly short term deals to give the team a shot at making the playoffs while the core develops. The free agent signings have helped the team come close to making the playoffs two years in a row, but these signings will fall off the books as the Red Wings need to sign their young players who are going to be part of a core that has a long window to compete.

 

[DanielMarois]

I think anointing Montreal as having passed the rebuild is a bit premature. They got 91 points, just like Detroit last year.

For the record, I really like their young players and they definitely exceeded expectations, but growth is rarely completely linear.

No guarantees, but their #1 C is in his prime, their #1 D had a historic season and is a rookie, and their #1 scoring wing just arrived. I think they are pretty well setup for the long-term.

 

[Run the Jewels]

No guarantees, but their #1 C is in his prime, their #1 D had a historic season and is a rookie, and their #1 scoring wing just arrived. I think they are pretty well setup for the long-term.

Yeah, I mentioned missing out on Suzuki when Holland and company drafted Rasmussen. Also, Montreal had Max Paccioretty as trade bait. Detroit had nothing along those lines to offer Vegas for Suzuki. They weren't going to do that trade for Mantha.

 

[OgeeOgelthorpe]

Not very happy with it. I don’t like missing the playoffs by a single point and then actively making the team worse.

Pat Verbeek went on record and stated the goal is for Anaheim to make the postseason next year, and I think he can make that happen. And now I’m wondering if he was the real brains behind Yzerman in Detroit, and if Yzerman was propped up in Tampa by a solid brain trust.

It’s time for Yzerman to put his plan into high gear because lots of other GMs in the league are going to take big swings this offseason. It’s time for him to shit or git.

 

[DanielMarois]

Yeah, I mentioned missing out on Suzuki when Holland and company drafted Rasmussen. Also, Montreal had Max Paccioretty as trade bait. Detroit had nothing along those lines to offer Vegas for Suzuki. They weren't going to do that trade for Mantha.

It wasn't just the Suzuki trade, they also didn't go and sign a bunch of unskilled "character" guys .

 

[deca guard]

'' fulfilling Yzerman's vision of a long-term contender rather than a quick-fix playoff team. ''

exactly what hes doing

 

[Larkin2AA]

Not very happy with it. I don’t like missing the playoffs by a single point and then actively making the team worse.

Pat Verbeek went on record and stated the goal is for Anaheim to make the postseason next year, and I think he can make that happen. And now I’m wondering if he was the real brains behind Yzerman in Detroit, and if Yzerman was propped up in Tampa by a solid brain trust.

It’s time for Yzerman to put his plan into high gear because lots of other GMs in the league are going to take big swings this offseason. It’s time for him to shit or git.

Your thoughts on Pat Verbeek and Yzerman seem lazy. You can have the goal of making the playoffs all you want, doesn’t guarantee you to make it.

 

[SirKillalot]

Pat Verbeek went on record and stated the goal is for Anaheim to make the postseason next year, and I think he can make that happen.

How are they going to make up that gap in an offseason?
The statement is delirious at best.
Cause they are pretty far away right now, even if I like their young guys.

 

[SCD]

Unlike the Tampa rebuild which had prospects and high draft picks, Yzerplan started with nothing and the highest draft pick has been #4. Maybe the greatest blame is not tanking harder in the beginning.

 

[Run the Jewels]

Unlike the Tampa rebuild which had prospects and high draft picks, Yzerplan started with nothing and the highest draft pick has been #4. Maybe the greatest blame is not tanking harder in the beginning.

The team was coming off a 39 point season in 2020 and got no help whatsoever from the draft lottery. Teams like Tampa, Chicago, Edmonton, Pittsburgh all get multiple top two draft picks over a very short period of time, Detroit has one #4 pick in what 30 years?

I respect the fact Yzerman wasn't going to sit there and be bad for 5-7 years and hope he could get an elite player if he was lucky. He's worked hard and the team showed improvement every single year before this season. This season we saw the emergence of Kasper and Edvinsson.

 

[SoupNazi]

The team was coming off a 39 point season in 2020 and got no help whatsoever from the draft lottery. Teams like Tampa, Chicago, Edmonton, Pittsburgh all get multiple top two draft picks over a very short period of time, Detroit has one #4 pick in what 30 years?

I respect the fact Yzerman wasn't going to sit there and be bad for 5-7 years and hope he could get an elite player if he was lucky. He's worked hard and the team showed improvement every single year before this season. This season we saw the emergence of Kasper and Edvinsson.

Agreed. I think lost in all of this is the fact that we could have continued to tank and gotten no lottery luck. We don't know whether we'd have gotten lucky in the draft lotto or not, or hit on that pick.

Has Yzerman made mistakes? Yes. He's made quite a few. But sitting on his hands and hoping we'd suck harder wasn't any sort of option.

Nice writeup, by the way.

 

[Realgud]

Excellent summary and I agree with pretty much everything.

Few things related to pro scouting:
- I might have added would be the potential buy low trade targets that Yzerman didn't go for. You talk about the trades he made but not the ones he didn't make, and I think there could be a lot to say there. He was fine trading for someone like Debrincat but wasn't bothered buying low on players like Cam Fowler or Mikael Granlund.

- And also, personal opinion and not exactly related to your writeup but I didn't like the Maatta trade, would have preferred keeping him and at least try him next to Seider, especially after the coaching change. Hard to say as this is a lot of guessing but I personally think this is a mistake but far from a big deal in the end, but it reinforces the thought that the pro scouting is really really bad.

What are your thoughts?

 

[SirloinUB]

I wanted to put all of my thoughts together in one spot, so I created a Substack article to cover the state of the franchise when Steve Yzerman returned, his drafting strategy, his free agent signings, and when I think the team will turn the corner.

This article is very long, but it's free to read - no paywall, no advertising. I'd be interested in your thoughts..

Here's the link: What to Make of the Yzerplan?

Great write up RTJ!

One thing I’d like to add is timelines.

When a rebuild goes really well, you get a Kane/Toews, you get a Mcdavid/Drai/Bouch, Matthews/Marner, Mackinnon/Landy/Rantanen Hughes/Hischier you can be competitive within 5 years.

Those kinds of circumstances haven’t been Detroits reality. He’s had one top 5 pick, and 3 picks before 8 and essentially no opportunity to acquire a franchise level player.

Despite that yzerman’s team has missed the playoffs by an average of 2.5 points over the last 2 seasons while his key rebuild pieces have an average age of 21.5 years old and an average of 108 games of NHL experience.

That’s pretty damn good for a guy who hasn’t really pushed any pick/prospect capital into a trade to accelerate this thing.

 

[Run the Jewels]

Great write up RTJ!

One thing I’d like to add is timelines.

When a rebuild goes really well, you get a Kane/Toews, you get a Mcdavid/Drai/Bouch, Matthews/Marner, Mackinnon/Landy/Rantanen Hughes/Hischier you can be competitive within 5 years.

Those kinds of circumstances haven’t been Detroits reality. He’s had one top 5 pick, and 3 picks before 8 and essentially no opportunity to acquire a franchise level player.

Despite that yzerman’s team has missed the playoffs by an average of 2.5 points over the last 2 seasons while his key rebuild pieces have an average age of 21.5 years old.

That’s pretty damn good for a guy who hasn’t really pushed any pick/prospect capital into a trade to accelerate this thing.

This is great insight, thanks for sharing and for the kind words. I will plan to write a few other articles as we work our way through the Yzerplan so I will keep your comments in mind.

 

[Run the Jewels]

Excellent summary and I agree with pretty much everything.

Few things related to pro scouting:
- I might have added would be the potential buy low trade targets that Yzerman didn't go for. You talk about the trades he made but not the ones he didn't make, and I think there could be a lot to say there. He was fine trading for someone like Debrincat but wasn't bothered buying low on players like Cam Fowler or Mikael Granlund.

- And also, personal opinion and not exactly related to your writeup but I didn't like the Maatta trade, would have preferred keeping him and at least try him next to Seider, especially after the coaching change. Hard to say as this is a lot of guessing but I personally think this is a mistake but far from a big deal in the end, but it reinforces the thought that the pro scouting is really really bad.

What are your thoughts?

These are good points. I tend to steer clear of most trade talk because there's so much behind the scenes you really don't know about. With the Trouba trade talk, it was pretty out in the open likely due to it being publicized by the New York media, so I felt confident talking about what Yzerman's intentions likely were in that case.

Generally speaking, I want to steer clear from too much speculation and with trades there's generally loads of speculation. The Hanafin trade in particular, I couldn't find a legit source that said Detroit really got involved. Would it make sense for Yzerman to pursue Hanafin? Of course, but all of the mentions were trade talk websites, not legit sources.

I think free agency is fair game and I went over that a bit with goalies. Goaltending is my biggest concern given how long it may take to see Cossa and Augustine at their best. Goalies just take a long time to come into their prime.