The Detroit Red Wings last won the Stanley Cup in 2008, and haven't played in the Final since 2009. Both times, the Pittsburgh Penguins lined up on the opposite end of the ice. Since then, the Red Wings saw their franchise record setting 25 consecutive seasons with a playoff berth end following the 2015-16 season, and the franchise hasn't returned to the postseason since.
Red Wings legend Steve Yzerman joined the team in 2019, aiming to revive its glory days, during which he was part of three Cup-winning teams in 1997, 1998, and 2002. But it hasn't been a smooth road as Yzerman's teams still haven't punched their ticket into the playoffs, let alone a Stanley Cup Final.
So, what does this team need to do if they want to first earn a trip to the playoffs, then snap their most recent drought without a Cup?
The quickest way for the Red Wings to punch their ticket into the Final
Right now, the best the Red Wings can do is stick to the Yzerplan. While Yzerman could have been more aggressive in acquiring outside talent to end this long playoff drought, you can't honestly say that it's not working, and that Yzerman's patience isn't paying off.
No, not necessarily in the points column, but at least the Wings are relevant these days. They're seeing those early draft picks of the Yzerman era evolve into sound contributors and franchise cornerstones.
Lucas Raymond has made serious noise over the past two seasons, and he's now one of the league's premier players. Moritz Seider is one of the most imposing defensemen out there, and he has never missed a game despite his playing style.
Simon Edvinsson, Albert Johansson, and Marco Kasper moved up through the rankings and are, at worst, solid contributors, while Elmer Soderblom and Emmitt Finnie are knocking on the door. Carter Mazur looks like a surefire lower-liner, while Axel Sandin-Pellikka, Michael Brandsegg-Nygard, and Nate Danielson look NHL-ready.
The Yzerplan requires a little more patience if fans want the payoff
The Wings aren't far off from Sandin-Pellikka, Brandsegg-Nygard, and Danielson joining that core. So, even if there's no playoff appearance in 2026, why give up on the Yzerplan when the core group he drafted makes up close to half the team, especially if goaltender Sebastian Cossa figures out how to play the position at the NHL level?
That doesn't count the holdover in Dylan Larkin, or the trade acquisition in Alex DeBrincat. Add them, and it's over half the team of surefire talents. So it would be foolish for ownership to give up on the Yzerplan when it has become the quickest way to busting through a playoff drought and giving them the best chance to win the franchise its 12th Stanley Cup.
It will require more patience from the fans, but, in reality, the Wings aren't that far away. So sit back, watch the team keep growing, and know that this core is going to be legendary if the Wings ownership is patient enough to wait this one out.