Yzerman on the Red Wings: Progress, Patience, and the Push Ahead
The Captain spoke, and Red Wings fans listened. During his preseason livestream, Steve Yzerman gave a wide-ranging update on Detroit’s outlook heading into his seventh training camp as general manager. The tone was familiar: cautious optimism, no bold promises, but a belief that the team is inching closer to real contention.
On Expectations for 2025
Asked the question fans repeat most — “How good are the Wings going to be this year?” — Yzerman didn’t overpromise. “We want to be a team that can compete for the Stanley Cup,” he said. “But rebuilds take time. It’s not finishing at the bottom for a couple years and drafting your way out. It takes years of building.”
He pointed to progress from young players, stability from veterans, and the impact of newly-acquired goalie John Gibson as reasons Detroit should be better this season. “Our goal is to improve from last year,” Yzerman added. “I expect our team to be improved.”
Playoffs vs. the Big Picture
The playoff drought is a constant topic, but Yzerman reiterated he won’t chase short-term fixes at the expense of the rebuild. “There’s great value in making the playoffs,” he admitted, “but we’re not going to trade away first-round picks for rentals just to sneak in.”
It’s about sustainability, not desperation. “Ultimately, my job is to do what’s right for the organization,” Yzerman said. “We’ll continue building patiently and look for opportunities to improve.”
Special Teams: A Must-Fix
One glaring issue he highlighted: the penalty kill, which finished near the bottom of the NHL last year. “We were either 31st or 32nd in penalty killing. We have to improve that area,” he admitted.
Fixing the kill, paired with steadier goaltending and more five-on-five production from the bottom of the lineup, is key to Detroit’s next step.
Roster Outlook and Injuries
Yzerman confirmed that Marco Kasper is fully cleared after missing time last spring, while Simon Edvinsson will miss a few weeks with a lower-body injury but should be back near the start of the season. Veteran defenseman Travis Hamonic was added for depth and mentorship.
On roster spots, Yzerman’s stance was clear: “If someone makes us better, they’re in. It’s not that complicated.” That means prospects like Axel Sandin Pellikka and Nate Danielson have a chance to force their way in.
Coaching and Continuity
Having Todd McLellan behind the bench from the very beginning is another shift from last year. “With more time to prepare, Todd and his staff can maximize the group,” Yzerman said. Players now know what to expect in terms of systems, line combinations, and expectations.
Yzerman also praised his long relationship with McLellan: “He’s approachable, easy to talk to, and we’re in constant communication about the team.”
What Gives Yzerman Hope
- Goaltending Upgrade: Gibson and Cam Talbot expected to raise the save percentage.
- Defensive Growth: Edvinsson and Albert Johansson building off strong rookie years.
- Young Stars Rising: Moritz Seider and Lucas Raymond are still developing, while Kasper is expected to grab a bigger role down the middle.
- Bottom-Six Depth: Yzerman wants more five-on-five scoring from the lower lines.
A Nod to the Past
Yzerman also celebrated the news that Sergei Fedorov’s number 91 will be retired this season. “It’s fantastic and very well-deserved,” he said, calling Fedorov a cornerstone of Detroit’s Cup runs in the 1990s and 2002.
What It Means for Fans
Yzerman’s words reflect both honesty and restraint. He’s not promising miracles, but he believes the Red Wings are better positioned than they’ve been in years. With Gibson in goal, a healthy Skater group, and McLellan in charge from the start, there’s reason for optimism.
But he also set expectations: the penalty kill must improve, young players must keep climbing, and patience is still required. The playoff drought might end this spring — or it might not. Either way, the foundation is being built to last.
Bottom Line
Yzerman’s message to fans was steady: progress is happening, but time is still part of the equation. The rebuild is still in motion, and while the playoffs are a target, the ultimate goal remains unchanged: building a Red Wings team that can compete for the Stanley Cup every single year.
