When legendary former captain Steve Yzerman returned to the Detroit Red Wings as general manager this past April, fans immediately began to opine for the same kind of bold moves that he made while general manager of the rival Tampa Bay Lightning.
So far this offseason, other than the eyebrow-raising drafting of Moritz Seider with the 6th overall draft selection, the moves Yzerman has made have been relatively quiet.
There haven’t been any buyouts of albatross contracts that belong to the likes of Justin Abdelkader or Jonathan Ericsson, or a major shakeup in the coaching staff. Former Red Wings forward Valterri Filppula was brought back to Detroit on a two-year contract, while former Colorado Avalanche defenseman Patrik Nemeth was also inked to a two-year pact.
Additionally, goaltending depth was acquired in the form of Calvin Pickard.
As far as the front office, former director of amateur scouting Tyler Wright joined former GM Ken Holland with the Edmonton Oilers; his job is now filled by former Red Wings forward (and longtime Yzerman teammate) Kris Draper.
He could potentially ship out one or more veterans who are on the final years of their contracts, such as Mike Green, Jimmy Howard or Trevor Daley this season.
Yzerman has a track record of making gusty moves as an NHL executive, and those will surely come with the Red Wings – just not yet.
