MLive’s Ansar Khan wraps up the day’s worth of beat writer reflections upon Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman’s post-free agency presser with a column which focuses on the concept that the GM’s job may be over in terms of team building–for the present moment, at least:
“We have a lot of improving to do,” Yzerman said. “With the young players coming in and a small nucleus of remaining players, I think we are trending in the right direction. But we will see how this season plays out to gauge where we are. It’s another step in the process.”
The Red Wings finished 25th overall at 32-40-10 following a late-season slide that prompted Yzerman to dismiss coach Jeff Blashill immediately after the season and hire Derek Lalonde two weeks ago. Lalonde will be coaching a better team.
“It’s up to the coaching staff to try to maximize the talent they have and try to find a way to be most efficient in all areas with the players we have,” Yzerman said. “For our coaching staff to try to improve in these areas we need better play from our team, whether that’s our returning players maturing, getting one year more experience, and bringing in some new faces who are maybe more adept in those roles.”
Yzerman said he didn’t need to sell any players on coming to a rebuilding team because they are aware of the talent in place and the opportunity before them.
“You have Dylan Larkin, Tyler Bertuzzi and then Lucas Raymond, Moritz Seider coming to create a little excitement,” Yzerman said. “Add to our team Joe Veleno, Filip Zadina. There’s a core of young players that potentially has a chance to be a pretty good team one day. Players recognize it. I think that was attractive to some of the players.”
Yzerman does not to expect any more free-agent signings, at least nothing big, but he will continue exploring trade possibilities.
“I want to see how things play out with our group,” Yzerman said. “I’m content right now to go into training camp with the group we have. But I wouldn’t be doing my job if I wasn’t exploring, if there’s any other opportunities out there, by trade. I’m always looking at ways to try to get better.”
