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The Detroit Red Wings could be the next team to make a titanic front-office shakeup, according to opinions from pundits and insiders.
The Detroit Red Wings‘ massive collapse this season, which is becoming a March tradition, has landed the club on the outside looking in of the Eastern Conference playoff race. After being in a playoff spot for most of the season, the Wings could miss the playoffs again for a ninth-straight season.
That situation has seriously called into question the Red Wings’ rebuild. The so-called Yzerplan, while yielding an impressive cadre of young players, just hasn’t produced the results fans, media, and ownership would like to see.
That situation has led to speculation among pundits regarding the likelihood of the Red Wings becoming the next NHL club to make a titanic front-office shake-up. In particular, that shake-up could mean cutting GM Steve Yzerman loose.
During an appearance on the Kyper and Bourne show, insider Renaud Levoie dropped a bombshell claim that could leave Red Wings fans shaking their heads.
Host Nick Kypreos posited the following:
“We saw major changes…in Vegas, Toronto, Islanders, New Jersey, what team’s next?”
Lavoie replied succinctly:
“Detroit? Everyone loves Stevie and rightly so, but that’s a name…that’s out there, since the last few weeks.”
Indeed, Yzerman’s name has been making the rounds regarding the potential for a front-office move in Detroit. The Red Wings just can’t seem to keep things together at the end of the season. That’s why the speculation lies in what it will take for the Wings to translate the talent it has into a sustainable product for an entire season.
Red Wings Would Join Crowded GM Search
Several organizations are already searching for their next GM. The Toronto Maple Leafs, New Jersey Devils, and Nashville Predators all have active searches for their next GM. That situation means a crowded field that may get even more crowded with the Red Wings joining the mix.
If that’s the case, the top candidates will likely have their pick of the best situations. For example, current Florida Panthers assistant GM Sunny Mehta has been getting plenty of attention from various organizations.
So, it remains to be seen if the Red Wings will be joining the fray in replacing Yzerman this offseason.
What to read next: Red Wings Playoff Miss Could Lead to Massive Change
What Would Replacing Yzerman Mean for the Wings’ Rebuild?
The ongoing rebuild has been Yzerman’s brainchild with the Red Wings. The organization tore everything down following their last playoff appearance in 2016. Since joining the club, Yzerman systematically moved veterans out to recoup as many assets as possible.
While those assets have turned into fantastic players, the Red Wings’ annual late-season collapse has rendered the rebuild pretty much ineffective.
As such, would a new GM continue the rebuild? Or would an incoming GM look at the pieces the organization has and become more aggressive in the trade market?
Then, there’s always the possibility of becoming more aggressive in the free-agent market, even with it being thin as it is.
All of these variables will remain in the air until the Red Wings either confirm or dismiss Yzerman. But if he does return, next season might come with a short runway. If the Red Wings can’t turn things around for good, it might very well be the end of the line for Yzerman in Detroit.
Nestor Quixtan Seasoned NHL analyst and baseball writer focused on covering clubs across each league with news, analysis, and insights. Originally from Toronto, Canada, Nestor’s singular experiences and background have enabled him to bring a different take on the sports world as a whole. Nestor’s fondness for baseball and hockey set the tone for his love and passion for writing about sports. More about Nestor Quixtan
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