In the NHL, it typically takes a bit of time before a new general manager starts making major moves. The old adage "I just got here!" is typically thrown around to give the new hire some time to assess the situation. Unfortunately for whoever the Detroit Red Wings hire, there isn't a lot of time to embrace this philosophy.
Here's just a short list of what the next GM will have to accomplish as soon as possible:
- Extend defenseman Simon Edvinsson
- Trade disgruntled captain Dylan Larkin
- Determine the fate of Alex DeBrincat
- Decide on the organization's direction
All four come with their own varying degrees of importance, but the last one is the singular most important focus of the next GM's career. Should the Red Wings try to mend fences with Dylan Larkin to push for the playoffs? Or should the team focus on bottoming out and retooling to contend in the future?
No matter the decision the next GM makes, they cannot afford to play it slow and steady. With just two weeks to go before training camp, there isn't enough leeway.
Focus on easy steps first
Before anything else, the first GM should knock Simon Edvinsson's contract off their to-do list.
The good news is that this is the easiest of the four tasks. Edvinsson wants to be in Detroit. He's expressed a desire to stick around and hopes to sign a long-term deal. Locking Edvinsson down to a long-term deal would signal two things: first, it signals to the fans that the next GM is ready to build around the young core. Second, it shows that the Red Wings aren't prepared to pony up and pay players that deserve raises.
Taking care of the Edvinsson business allows the rest of the team (well, most of it) to focus on just playing hockey. The Red Wings need stability now more than ever, and this is a great way to set expectations moving forward.
Red Wings need to pursue Larkin trade aggressively
The biggest elephant in the room, of course, is disgruntled captain Dylan Larkin. While some media figures have posited the idea of mending fences, it seems a little too late for that at this point. Thus, the next GM needs to figure out how cooperative Larkin will be with the new administration. If he's willing to expand his trade list, it will give the next GM more opportunity to find the right offer.
If he refuses to budge, though, the next GM needs to determine the direction of the team moving forward.
If future is the focus, the deal may need to involve younger players, picks and prospects. If the focus is now, the Minnesota Wild (or whatever team Larkin suggests) will need to pony up. It's getting to a point where Larkin will need to decide what he wants to do with the rest of his hockey career.
Does he want to try and make things work in Hockeytown? If so, he's going to have to face the music with fans and media alike. If he wants a new path, he'll either need to wait for Wild GM Bill Guerin to pony up the right offer or he'll need to expand his trade list.
Either way, letting this drag out any further would be a recipe for disaster for everyone involved.
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