DetroitRedWings.com’s Jonathan Mills took note of the remarks made by Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman during his press conference this morning. Yzerman made sure to point out that his team is, at least in theory, better in every category in terms of depth–but has a long ways to go in the execution department:
“If you just look at the players all on one-way contracts, there’s competition at every position,” Yzerman said in a pre-camp Zoom call with the media on Tuesday. “Not only to be on the roster or in the lineup, but to play minutes in all situations. So I think that is healthy. New players are going to want to come in and make a good impression on the coaching staff and earn a more increased role. Then we do have some of our younger players that are coming in here with a mindset, ‘I’m going to make this team.’”
Yzerman also pointed out several key players who helped Detroit finish last season with its best record (35-37-10; 80 points) since 2015-16 are set to return. But for the Red Wings to take another step forward this season, the club must improve in all areas to “creep up the standings.”
“Statistically, I think we made some strides in all the different categories,” Yzerman said. “It’s continued to go in that direction. For our goaltenders, our goals against and save percentage need to improve. Our special teams need to continue to creep forward. As a team, in every area, we need to get better.”
That being said, Yzerman will take production from wherever it comes:
As much as the veterans will be relied on this season, the younger players have shown they can also make a significant impact. Detroit has seen its rookies rack up 164 points over the past two seasons, trailing only the Montreal Canadiens (228), Columbus Blue Jackets (174) and Arizona Coyotes (172) in that span.
But as Yzerman has continually emphasized throughout his tenure in Detroit, he will not rush prospects into the NHL.
“If we have a player that is too good for the minors, we’ll figure it out,” Yzerman said. “That would be my message to the young players, but we’re not just throwing them into the NHL. One, it’s not good for them. And two, it’s not helping our team win.”
