The Hockey Writers’ Tony Wolak has an intriguing take on the Red Wings’ drafting strategy under GM Steve Yzerman and assistant GM/amateur scouting director Kris Draper:
When Yzerman took over as GM in 2019, he preached patience. His strategy to rebuild the Red Wings would take time. Since then, Yzerman hasn’t wavered. No corners have been cut. His strategy remains the same:
Draft – Find, target, and select high-end, high-character prospects.
Develop – Provide adequate time (and resources) for prospects to grow in junior, European, or minor leagues.
Compete – Create meaningful competition in order for these prospects to earn professional roles.
Mature – Once in Detroit, surround the prospects with strong leaders so they can learn to play the right way.
Lead – Demand that these players step up and take charge of the team.
This offseason was no different. We saw that firsthand in the players Detroit drafted, with Michael Brandsegg-Nygard—a competitive, high-IQ, and talented prospect who plays a two-way game—being the most notable example.
“We have a Red Wing DNA and a type of prospect that we watch, and that’s what we want to continue to bring into the organization,” noted Kris Draper at the 2024 NHL Draft (from ‘Why Red Wings stuck to their ‘DNA’ and drafted Michael Brandsegg-Nygård at No. 15’ – The Athletic – 6/29/24).
Yzerman’s plan for free agency held true to his overall strategy. He surrounded his core with high-quality leaders to help them evolve into impact players.
Continued; Tony’s got the formula down, more or less, and I would add that it’s incredibly important for the Red Wings that their draft picks are self-improvers–the kinds of players who are driven to improve in terms of their on-ice game and their off-ice training regimens in order to advance their skill sets.
