Steve Yzerman’s best move so far for the Detroit Red Wings

Conclusion

This coaching selection for the Grand Rapids Griffins has made a world of a difference for not only winning games, but investing in the development of their prospects.

Watson and his staff have players buying in, regardless of if they’re playing that night or supporting their teammates from the pressbox (or treatment rooms as they recover from an injury).

They’re building an invlauable culture in Grand Rapids that should help prospects feel welcomed, heard, and like they matter. 

As Albert Johansson referenced when speaking about Watson, he gets to know the individual–not just the hockey player. To me, it’s weird that a coach wouldn’t get to know the individual as that always seemed to be a focus of successful managers I’ve had in the past.

I’m very grateful to Watson and his staff, along with Yzerman for making this change. Watson has made waves for all the right reasons and is everything we can as for in a coach, especially one who is focused on developing players.

It can’t be easy for Watson with his family still residing in Ohio (more family support to help with kids and his wife’s work is there, as well), but they have made it work amazingly well (it seems).

Any hope of building a dynasty will come from within the Detroit Red Wings system and the prospects currently in the oven. Watson may be the biggest key to the foundation in this dynasty.

Without these prospects developing successfully and as close to their highest ceiling as possible, the organization is destined to chase a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow.