The future of the Detroit Red Wings and general manager Steve Yzerman, per NHL insider Elliotte Friedman, could take a very different turn this offseason. Friedman, on Monday's episode of the 32 Thoughts Podcast, speculated that Yzerman may be due for a different role this offseason.
Friedman believes that, if the Red Wings don't make the playoffs this season, the Red Wings may opt to move Yzerman to a President of Hockey Operations role similar to Joe Sakic's role with the Colorado Avalanche. This, in turn, would mean a promotion for one of Kris Draper or Shawn Horcoff, two of Yzerman's assistant general managers.
Whether or not this happens is entirely speculative, but, should the Red Wings fail to make the playoffs for the tenth year in a row, the team will likely look to make a major change this offseason.
Sportsnet writer comes to Yzerman's defense
Michael Amato of Sportsnet believes that any calls for Yzerman's job during the offseason are premature at best. "It really does feel like Detroit is starting to turn a corner, even if it is happening as slowly as an ocean liner rounding a peninsula," Amato wrote.
"That said, things can change quickly, and Detroit should look no further than division rival Buffalo as an example. It really did feel like the Sabres were going to watch another season spiral into disaster before they suddenly turned things around."
While Yzerman has been in charge for seven years - and while they haven't made the playoffs in that time - the general manager has always emphasized patience. This was never going to be a rebuild that happened overnight. Despite its glacial pace, the team has drastically improved every year since Yzerman took over.
Promoting Yzerman could mean best of both worlds
Should they fail to make the playoffs again, however, the fanbase may call for a change. Whether the Red Wings as an organization listen is anyone's guess. Promoting Yzerman to a presidential role, however, might be a win-win for both sides. For the fans calling for change, it signifies the organization is listening and knows change is needed. For the fans happy with Yzerman's process, it allows him more oversight over the ins and outs of the organization.
Plus, handing the keys over to Draper or Horcoff could offer new insight into the current issues plaguing the roster. Draper's role as the Director of Amateur Scouting has yielded several successes over recent years including late-round gems like Emmitt Finnie. Giving him the role would allow the organization to focus more on drafting and developing, improving a burgeoning roster with some additional long-term talent or assets.
Horcoff, on the other hand, is the current general manager of the Grand Rapids Griffins. He's shown an immense talent with building a competitive roster, constructing the division-winning second-best team in the AHL. Promoting Horcoff could signal that the Red Wings are prepared to take the next step toward contention by taking a more direct approach with building the roster.
While both have their respective strengths, a lot will need to happen before fans can speculate on Detroit's general manager role.