Sportsnet’s Michael Amato discusses four “Burning Questions” ahead of NHL training camps opening next Wednesday and Thursday, and yes, the Red Wings’ managerial search is among his topics:
Will Red Wings have a general manager in place?
It’s coming up on two months since Steve Yzerman was relieved of his duties, and the Detroit Red Wings still haven’t found his replacement.
The Red Wings have plenty of business to conduct, and things are getting to a critical juncture. For instance, standout defenceman Simon Edvinsson is a restricted free agent and needs a new contract imminently. Edvinsson has said he plans to participate in training camp even without a deal, though he can’t suit up on opening night without one. Alex DeBrincat also recently expressed his willingness to sign an extension in Detroit after a career season, so that needs to be taken care of as well.
Then there’s Dylan Larkin, who requested a trade all the way back at the beginning of June. It’s been quiet on that front for a while, and you’d think a new general manager would help get that moving. Larkin has reportedly submitted only a few teams he’s willing to move to, so a new GM will need to try and get him to expand his list to see if this can be resolved. It really does the Red Wings no good if Larkin sits at home. If he’s no longer willing to play in Detroit, the ideal scenario for the Wings is to try and get a few assets back to help the team immediately.
Or is there any possibility the fences could be mended? We know Larkin didn’t have the best relationship with Yzerman, so maybe a new voice could help smooth things over. It’s probably worth a shot to try to keep their captain and a Michigan native in the organization, but none of that has a chance of happening without a new general manager in place.
Continued; it’s frustrating to deal with these storylines over and over again, but that’s really all we can do as the team faces uncertainty.
