ESPN’s Greg Wyshynski reexamines his 2025-2026 season previews for each and every one of the NHL’s 32 teams, and he called the Red Wings’ situation perfectly:
Detroit Red Wings
Steve Yzerman fails upward
There were moments last season when it appeared this prediction was toast, as the Red Wings were contending for a playoff spot. But they missed the cut again, as they did in all seven seasons Yzerman was at the helm for the franchise. Yzerman swung and missed on big trades. His deteriorating relationship with captain Dylan Larkin led to the center asking for a trade. The “Yzerplan” failed to build a foundation for Stanley Cup contention.
As of July 15, Yzerman was no longer general manager of the Red Wings. As predicted, he failed upward: Yzerman is “transitioning from his role as executive vice president and GM but will continue serving the organization as senior adviser to governor and CEO Chris Ilitch.” Because there was no way the Red Wings were ever going to fire a franchise icon, even if the time had arrived.
Continued; Greg’s been around the block a time or two…He makes some wise predictions…
