Red Wings: Grading Yzerman’s Offseason Moves at the Halfway Point

Red Wings General Manager Steve Yzerman’s goal between the 2020 and 2021 season was not to create a Stanley Cup contender, but to bolster the development of rookies, round out the roster, and secure some draft capital. Halfway through the season, Red Wings fans are at the point where they can see the effects the offseason moves have had on the team. So, how did Stevie do?

Head of the Class – The A’s

Bobby Ryan – A

 After a buyout from Ottawa last season, Bobby Ryan had his choice of teams to sign with. After a call from Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman, Ryan decided to take his talents to Detroit.

Ryan has been an important addition to a struggling Red Wings team. His production has been very solid so far as Red Wing, as he leads the team in both goals (6) and points (13).  Ryan has been key to the second line of the Wings, and his leadership both on the ice and off has been evident. Productive veteran presence is key for a rebuilding team, and Ryan has provided just that.

Troy Stecher – A

Troy Stecher was signed by Detroit after the Vancover Canucks refused to match Detroit’s offer. The Red Wings are lucky the Canucks passed up on Stecher, because he’s easily been the best defensemen on the Red Wings this season. Often paired with Mark Staal,  he has carried the duo to be not only the best defensive pair on the Red Wings, but one of the better pairings in the league.

The B+’s

Staal Trade  – B+

The only trade Yzerman made during the offseason was with the New York Rangers. The Red Wings agreed to take on Marc Staal’s contract in exchange for a second round pick.

It’s no secret in Detroit that Staal has had his share of struggles.  So why is this trade graded at a B? Well, in a year where Detroit was going to be a bottom feeder in almost every scenario, adding one more mediocre player hasn’t really hurt. Has Staal been a liability on the ice at times? Yes. But average (or even good) play won’t make a difference for this Red Wings team, and Yzerman knows this. And somehow, there is rumor that Staal could be dealt for more draft capital by the deadline (his numbers have been better because of the aforementioned Stecher). So in the end, while adding Staal might make the roster worse for now, it’s going to pay off in the future, maybe even with another draft pick. If he does that— it’s an A.

Buying Out Abdelkader  – B+

Justin Abdelkader’s departure from Detroit was long overdue. His ludicrous seven year contract was in its fifth year when the Red Wings bought out the remaining two seasons. In the 2019-20 season, Abdelkader had only 3 assists in 49 games played – not consistent with over $4 million in a cap hit.

The move was the right one. Buying out the contract not only saved Detroit space in the salary cap, it also signified that the organization was finally moving on from some of the contract sins of the Ken Holland era.

The move gets a B, as it won’t help build the Wing’s future success as much as draft picks and solid free agency pick ups will. But it was a good move to both speed up the rebuild and free up a little space for future signings.

Vladislav Namestnikov – B

Although not quite as effective as the Stecher and Ryan signings, the decision to add Vladislav Namestnikov to the lineup has proven a good one.

Although not blowing anyone away in points (9, tied for fifth on the team), Namestnikov has found a comfortable spot centering Detroit’s second line. Although occasionally carried a bit by the play of the second line wingers (Filip Zadina, Bobby Ryan, Robby Fabbri), most of the time he looks quite comfortable with them.

Namestnikov’s agility has been noticeable all year, often creating at least a few decent chances. However, it seems the former Tampa Bay Lightning player has had trouble finishing plays all year. If he can start cashing in on the chances he creates, the free agent move will go from a good one to a great one.

Jon Merrill – B

Merrill has quietly been a steady signing for Yzerman. He’s a minutes eater and also has a GAR of 2.4 (via Evolving-Hockey). Not bad for a guy signed to a deal just slightly under a million ($925,000). The signing didn’t break the bank, and it bolstered Detroit’s blue line depth.

B-/C+

Christian Djoos

Djoos was yet another player picked up to add depth to Detroit’s defense (this time claimed on waivers instead of signed as a free agent), and has done an average job halfway through the season. Although he can be a defensive liability at times, Djoos has shown that he is one of the few Red Wings defensemen willing to move up in the point to shoot. As a result, his two goals and four assists give him the second most points for Red Wings defensemen (Behind Filip Hronek). But until Djoos tightens up his defensive game, he’s right on that B-, C+ range for grading.