Red Wings: Options Aplenty for Yzerman This Offseason

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The Detroit Red Wings 5-4 loss to Columbus only muddled things a bit more as the Red Wings enter their third offseason with Steve Yzerman running the show.

The third one may in fact be the charm that sees a pivot for the beginning of the end of the rebuild’s dog days. With the Red Wings ending the season at 19-27-10, there was improvement and also a clearer understanding of what Yzerman plans to do with this team. From the Anthony Mantha trade to many of the personnel decisions throughout the season, the Red Wings are now truly the Captain’s team.

Here are a handful of options that Yzerman will have this offseason:

A decision on the future of Jeff Blashill

The six-year head coach heads into the offseason without a contract but most signs point to Yzerman re-upping the bench boss he inherited. Blashill has been as ambiguous as ever when it comes to answering the question and Yzerman has only indicated that he’ll sit down and talk to him about it.

It’s been reported by many sources that Yzerman respects Blashill’s work, and it’s easy to see why. In spite of having a modest upgrade on the roster, Blashill improved the team enough that they’re far from a higher chance at a top 2 pick and players like Michael Rasmussen have seen significant gains this season. Of course, there’s arguments to the contrary that see regression from Dylan Larkin and baffling lineup decisions as reasons to move on.

Yzerman holds the cards close to the vest. But as with everything, he’ll do what’s best for the organization.

Who will Stay and Who will Go?

The Red Wings have a number of contracts expiring–both unrestricted and restricted. Some names seem inevitable in terms of seeing a new destination be it a city or retirement: Darren Helm and Valtteri Filppula seem like they’re on their way out. But there are some who could be brought back to “ice a team” like Bobby Ryan, Marc Staal, Luke Glendening, and Sam Gagner. Jonathan Bernier could go either way–but it seems likely that he’ll be back as Yzerman would have most likely dealt him at the deadline instead of losing him for nothing.

As for RFAs, Tyler Bertuzzi will be due a slight raise in spite of his injury this season while players like Evgeny Svechnikov and Dennis Cholowski could be tendered a deal or possibly allowed to walk if Yzerman doesn’t see them fitting into the long term plans. Jakub Vrana, Rasmussen, and Adam Erne should also see raises from their current deals.

The real question is if Yzerman will buy out Frans Nielsen‘s contract. The Wings save money on the deal by a million and then only have $500k on the books a season later. Open up a roster spot by cutting him loose, or maybe just ride out the deal next season?

The Red Wings Can Take Advantage of their Cap Space

The Red Wings have the chance to assist some teams in getting out of the Cap hell they’re currently in while also making the Expansion Draft a lot less costly. With nearly $50 million in cap space, Yzerman can bilk a few teams into offering sweeteners with contracts they’re looking to shed. Whether this is utilized through prospects or draft picks, Yzerman has already shown to be the shrewd dealer when it comes to acquiring through trades. The Expansion Draft provides just the opportunity for that. He snagged a second round pick from New York for Staal which not only was helpful on the blue line but will be in July when the Red Wings have another second round pick in their arsenal.

This also doesn’t rule out trades Yzerman could make that are not Expansion Draft related but instead focused on improving the team through some deals that are still cap friendly. Look no further than the Mantha deal where it’s looking more and more a heist in Yzerman’s favor.

Yzerman Could use Current Picks to Grab More Later

Though he’s talked specifically about getting as many chances at the Draft wheel as he can, would Yzerman be inclined to use current picks to grab more for next season’s draft? The 2021 Draft has many unknowns due to the pandemic limiting scouting throughout the season while 2022 promises to have some can’t miss options stating with Shane Wright.

Though it’s possible that the Wings could load up with talent in this draft should players fall to them, it could also be argued that Yzerman could bundle picks for more next season when scouting is more available and there are even more draft options.

It’s not to say that the 2021 Draft won’t have its gems. But it stands to reason that having several shots at a draft with more certainty is enticing–especially after there was talk about having consecutive drafts in 2022 when scouting would be more plentiful.

It doesn’t fit Yzerman’s previous style of handling a draft, but with everything being in flux as it has been, it’s also not outside the realm of possibility that Yzerman does something different to benefit the organization.

Final Thoughts

We’ll be looking at more options as the offseason wears on but while Yzerman preaches patience, he could make a few moves that will speed the rebuild up a bit. The Vrana trade feels as such–a player who could really turn things in a more positive light much faster.

With Yzerman, it’s anyone’s guess as to what will happen. No one talks about kicking tires or working the phones–it’s as quiet at it can be until the move actually occurs. The element of surprise is almost the best part–from the selection of Moritz Seider to the aforementioned Mantha trade.

If there’s anything we will know, it’s that Yzerman will make it a very interesting offseason.

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