The Hockey News’s Adam Proteau suggests that there are “Five GM’s with the most to prove in 2025-2026,” and of course Steve Yzerman is on his list…
Steve Yzerman, Detroit Red Wings
Yzerman has a ton of pressure to prove himself in Detroit. The Red Wings have missed the playoffs for the past nine seasons, and although Yzerman has only been GM for six of them, there’s not much time left to be patient.
Yzerman’s was an on-ice legend with the Red Wings, and he’s had a lot of trust and time to rebuild the roster and develop a new Stanley Cup contender. But Red Wings fans accustomed to decades of playoff appearances and four Cup wins in the last 30 years are clearly nearing their wits’ end watching this team flail and wail.
Yzerman won’t have much longer to prove to Wings fans that his blueprint for success is working. If there is more misery this coming season, you’d have to think Yzerman’s time running the team will be coming to an end.
If he gets the Red Wings into the playoffs this year, Yzerman buys himself more time. But if Detroit is once again on the outside of the post-season picture looking in, Yzerman will be looking to prove himself a top-tier GM with another organization.
Continued; of course Yzerman is under pressure, but I cannot reiterate this enough: Yzerman is not going anywhere.
As long as Mrs. Ilitch and Chris Ilitch own the team, the “Yzerplan” will be seen through until its conclusion, and Yzerman will be the team’s GM for as long as he wants to be the team’s GM.
I couldn’t agree with you more, George, on your assessment of this article and its’ conclusion. The evaluation of the front office performance depends on much more than wins and losses. It requires a Business type performance report that emphasizes a “bottom line”. I think this is especially relevant to an organization with 100 years of relevance and an iconic presence in the league. Additionally, raising a jersey to the rafters in its’ centennial year. This is a micro targeted article intended get “clicks”.
Jim, I just don’t believe that the pressure on Yzerman comes from ownership. Are fans justifiably impatient? Sure, definitely, especially with ticket prices increasing. But there’s no danger of Yzerman being fired right now, and that narrative is definitely being utilized to get discussion going on contributors’ websites.