The Detroit Red Wings had a shot at former Tampa Bay Lightning captain Steven Stamkos, according to Carlos Monarrez of the Detroit Free Press.
Per Monarrez, Red Wings CEO and owner Chris Ilitch hesitated at offering Stamkos a contract, thus costing the Red Wings a potential high-scoring second line center.
“According to a person of knowledge of the situation, Ilitch’s hesitation in approving big signings cost the Wings two big signings: Steven Stamkos in 2024, and, on the same day Yzerman’s removal was announced, assistant GM Shawn Horcoff had a deal in place with Anthony Mantha, but it fell through while Ilitch deliberated."
While it's hard to imagine Anthony Mantha as a "big signing", Stamkos is almost certainly a massive missed opportunity in the Yzerman era. Stamkos recently celebrated a 42 goal, 66 point season with the Nashville Predators, scoring 27 goals and 53 points the year before.
This isn't the first time the Red Wings have missed out on the Stamkos sweepstakes. Back in the Ken Holland era, the Red Wings nearly secured the star center to an eight year deal, only for it to fall through at the last moment. The general manager that went on to sign him was, ironically enough, Steve Yzerman.
How Stamkos could have helped the Red Wings
Stamkos wound up signing a four-year deal, $8M/year deal with the Predators. What's especially furstrating about this is that the Red Wings had (and still have) more than enough salary cap space to justify this contract.
On the Red Wings, Stamkos immediately slots in as the team's second line center, flanked by Alex DeBrincat and Patrick Kane. Imagine the kind of chaos that trio could have brought is both exciting and frustrating. With another high-scoring forward on the roster, there's a strong chance the Red Wings make the playoffs both last season and the season prior.
Just three seasons ago, the Red Wings were a point away from the playoffs. With Stamkos on the roster in 2024-25 and 2025-26, the team would have a much higher likelihood of doing some damage down the line. It would take tons of pressure off Andrew Copp and J.T. Compher and allow Dylan Larkin to play to his strengths.
Red Wings need to guarantee autonomy with next GM
It goes without saying that the next general manager needs absolute autonomy. Whoever the team signs can't find themselves in a situation like this. Fortunately, it appears as if the organization is on the same page. According to Elliotte Friedman, the next general manager will have absolute autonomy with their decision-making.
In an ideal world, this means no outside voices can fight against the GM. That means no Yzerman, no Ilitch, no push back unless it's absolutely necessary. If Ilitch is serious about making Detroit a destination for hockey players, he needs to step aside and allow the general manager to get to work.
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