The Detroit Red Wings are sliding at the worst in the NHL season, and pressure is building around Steve Yzerman.
A late-season collapse has raised fresh questions about the franchise’s direction, with analysts now linking Detroit to a growing list of teams making front-office changes.
Advertisement
Detroit has lost seven of its last nine games, including a damaging defeat to the Columbus Blue Jackets. That result left them outside the playoff picture with only four games remaining. Once holding strong postseason odds, their chances have now dropped sharply, putting urgency on every remaining game.
MORE: New Jersey Devils to evaluate Sheldon Keefe after GM firing
Speaking on a broadcast, Renaud Lavoie suggested Detroit could be the next team to consider a management shift. Nick Kypreos reacted with surprise, given Yzerman’s iconic status within the organization.
“Wow. I wasn’t expecting that,” Kypreos said. “He’s the son of all sons, Steve Yzerman in Detroit.”
Advertisement
Lavoie agreed but pointed to injuries and lack of depth as key reasons behind the team’s struggles, and thus the pressure on the GM.
“I know, and everyone loves Stevie, and rightly so,” Lavoie said. “But that’s a name that’s out there since the last few weeks, right? And it’s really sad because I think they did a big step this season, but injuries after that, lack of depth, and that’s a big problem. When you have injured players, and you don’t have depth, you’re not going to survive.”
Red Wingers’ growing list of problems
Detroit’s issues extend beyond results. Captain Dylan Larkin missed time with an injury and has not looked fully sharp since returning. The penalty kill has dipped below acceptable levels, while late-game defensive lapses have cost valuable points. Goaltending inconsistency has added to the instability during a crucial stretch.
Advertisement
Despite a 40–29–9 record, the Red Wings remain outside the playoff line in a crowded Eastern Conference race. Contributions from Alex DeBrincat and Lucas Raymond have kept them competitive, but depth concerns continue to show.
“It’s not easy to have depth in the NHL, but when you have it, it’s going to save your job,” Lavoie said, while mentioning Montreal’s position. “That’s for sure.”
Red Wings could also seek change at the top
Steve Yzerman talks to fans at Little Caesars Arena
The Red Wings’ situation mirrors recent moves across the league. The Toronto Maple Leafs and New Jersey Devils have already fired their general managers, while the New York Islanders changed direction behind the bench. These decisions followed similar late-season downturns.
Advertisement
Yzerman’s legacy in Detroit remains secure as a player, but his executive future faces scrutiny. If the Red Wings miss the playoffs, they could join a growing trend of teams seeking change at the top.