We can write a book on how many theories are swirling about why Steve Yzerman can't consistently land top-end talent for the Detroit Red Wings. It could be because the Wings just haven't been that good lately, or the team has a Steve Yzerman problem, and players don't want to play for him.
Still, it's hard to critique Yzerman's moves. He still landed a very good, albeit underrated, goaltender in John Gibson through a trade with the Anaheim Ducks and brought in role players who've proven to hold their own. That's better than what some other teams in the Atlantic Division can say.
Teams like the Boston Bruins and Buffalo Sabres either made an awful decision (or two) in free agency, or they just didn't bother to get better. We'll talk about the Bruins in another article, but let's focus on the Sabres since, of course, it is Sabre day.
Red Wings at least filled a few gaps in free agency while Buffalo flopped
Trading JJ Peterka for a pair of mid-tier players was hard to watch, and Peterka will transform into a force over in the Wasatch Range. As for free agency, they made a good move to bring back Ryan McLeod on a long-term deal, and it was a much-needed move after McLeod came in and just played lights-out.
I also liked watching them bring back Tyson Kozak, who's an underrated player and could make some noise this season. Taking a chance on Zachary Jones was also a savvy move. And if he pans out, the Blue and Gold may've gotten a steal here.
But the Sabres, if they planned on competing in 2025-26, needed legit help and they just didn't get it. No, Buffalo's not an ideal place to play, with a small market and a bad hockey team. But when you trade away a player like Peterka, it tells me you didn't try harder.
Justin Danforth was the Sabres prize acquisition this offseason
It's easy to critique a general manager like Steve Yzerman, especially when the Wings have been on the cusp of contention. But at least he made one big move, bringing in John Gibson and, at least on paper, fixing a position that needed attention.
As for Kevyn Adams in Buffalo? He didn't do that, with Justin Danforth clocking in as 'the guy' as far as signing free agents go. I mean, I'll give Danforth credit - he plays way bigger than his 5'8, 190-lb frame suggests, and he's a high-energy forward.
But he's a middle-six player at best, and no real replacement for Peterka. That said, the Sabres failed the litmus test unless Adams does something between now and September (or even October). Oh, and he signed a familiar face in Alex Lyon, who's surefire organizational depth unless Buffalo wants to keep Devon Levi in the AHL.
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