Will the Detroit Red Wings Consider a General Manager Change?

What Happens To Steve Yzerman If Detroit Misses the Playoffs?

Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman recently discussed Steve Yzerman's future as General Manager of the Detroit Red Wings during an appearance on Sirius XM NHL Network Radio's Morning Skate. Concerns have emerged, with some within the Red Wings organization reportedly viewing Yzerman's approach as overly patient.

Gord Stellick of Sirius XM questioned the Red Wings' trajectory if they again fail to reach the playoffs, asking whether it would be viewed as merely another year of rebuilding or a more significant failure. Friedman, while expressing certainty of Yzerman's deep frustration, described him as a "great poker player" who rarely reveals his hand. Despite a recent loss, Friedman noted that other playoff contenders also faltered, minimizing the immediate damage. However, he highlighted a palpable tension within the Red Wings, suggesting that unlike Yzerman's own playing career where he thrived under pressure, the current team struggles when the stakes are high.

Friedman further speculated on the possibility of Yzerman empowering another individual to take on greater responsibilities, or even the general manager role itself, to allow for fresh perspectives and a stronger imprint on the organization. He acknowledged Yzerman's upcoming 61st birthday in May, emphasizing that while age doesn't equate to incapability, Yzerman's known dedication as a "grinder" who avoids shortcuts might lead him to consider sharing the workload or giving another person a more prominent voice in the team's strategic direction, rather than managing all aspects himself.

The Current State of the Detroit Red Wings

The Detroit Red Wings find themselves in a tight race for a wild card spot in the Eastern Conference, having navigated a challenging March with a 5-7-2 record, exacerbated by injuries to key players like captain Dylan Larkin. This season holds significant weight for the Original Six franchise, as a decade without playoff appearances is a notable concern.

Past tensions have surfaced, notably when Larkin publicly questioned Yzerman's inaction at last year's trade deadline. Yzerman, reflecting his competitive ethos, countered by asserting the team should have been capable of succeeding without external help, placing the responsibility on the players.

While Yzerman's competitive drive is evident, the importance of team morale and player development cannot be overlooked. Despite the addition of Todd McLellan to the coaching staff, questions persist regarding the management of younger players, particularly in light of the team's apparent reliance on veterans amidst a league trending towards youth.

Yzerman consistently reiterates that the team is progressing and still in a building phase. However, if Detroit misses the playoffs again – especially after narrowly missing out in 2024 due to tiebreakers – patience among fans and observers will undoubtedly wear thin.

Ultimately, making the playoffs is now a critical objective. Given Steve Yzerman's substantial contributions to the organization over the years, an outright dismissal would be a challenging decision for ownership. Instead, they might explore options such as moving him to an elevated position or reassigning his responsibilities within the front office.