Steve Yzerman Addresses Red Wings’ Progress, Lucas Raymond

When Detroit Red Wings’ general manager Steve Yzerman talks, everyone stops to listen. The Red Wings legend doesn’t hold court often, and certainly holds the cards close to the vest. So when he does discuss matters, everyone is tuned in–especially the fans.

As noted by the Detroit Free Press’ Helene St. James, Yzerman’ s chat during a video conference with the Detroit Economic Club, was one not open to media questions.  She writes that Yzerman addressed issues about the Red Wings including the team’s progress:

"“So from last season to this season I see progress. And our younger players, regardless of their numbers — because I know some of their numbers are down – that’s not a big concern.”"

Progress is absolutely there, but the frustration from fans have been about lineups and deployment, which showed up again today during Detroit’s practice:

So Nielsen is promoted after being waived–working in on the third line while Matthias Brome is saddled to the fourth. Let’s not forget Brome finally scored.

Khan also writes that Yzerman “is pleased with the effort and competitiveness” and then uses the following quote:

"“We all get emotional game to game; you win, you’re happy, you lose, you’re unhappy, but overall, for where we’ve been for the past month, I see a lot of positive things. Not necessarily showing up in goals and assists and wins and losses, but a lot of things we’re doing have been a significant step in the right direction. It’s based on playing hard and being competitive and being a more difficult team to play against.”"

 Did Yzerman tip his hand with Jeff Blashill’s future?

Let’s just say that no one can really know what Yzerman’s going to do. Outside of him trading Andreas Athanasiou and naming Dylan Larkin the captain, it’s anyone’s guess as to how Yzerman will operate. But his positive words for the team’s progress may put a dent in the hopes of many fans who crave a coaching change. Again, it’s foolish to try and truly read into what Yzerman is really saying so at face value it looks like speculation on Blashill can be curbed until there’s an official announcement. One thing seems for sure: he’s going to finish out the season.

More from Octopus Thrower

• Detroit Red Wings forward Carter Mazur injured in Prospect Tournament
• Detroit Red Wings: What does Klim Kostin’s role look like in 2023-24?
• Detroit Red Wings: 3 players who will make biggest impact in first year
• The Detroit Red Wings need Andrew Copp to start fast in 2023-24
• Detroit Red Wings had a busy off-season; but was it enough?

Yzerman talks Lucas Raymond, Moritz Seider

Khan also wrote about Lucas Raymond’s recent injury, which will sideline him for eight weeks. Yzerman, according to Khan, said that it’s “not a big deal” and expects the prized prospect to recover. As for Moritz Seider, Khan writes that Yzerman said this:

"“He fell into the board pretty heavily, nothing significant,” Yzerman said. “He’s had a great year. They’re in first place, expect him and the team to probably have a good playoff run. We’re really pleased with how he’s developed.”"

Breathe easy on that news.

The Yzerplan is charging ahead

Though there’s still a long road ahead, but the development of the prospects in spite of some injuries is a sign that happier times will arrive. While the team is progressing and it could be seen as a disappointment that he wasn’t critical, anyone who has followed Yzerman through his playing and managerial career knows he will not openly criticize through the media. Again, taking him at face value, he’s pleased with the direction the team is taking.