Embed from Getty Images Steve Yzerman worked wonders for a rebuilding Tampa Bay Lightning team and organization. He did it through shrewd trades, contract buyouts and outstanding draft picks. Yzerman has recently said he does not believe you can build a team through free agency. So how does one of the best general managers in sports build his team for prolong success? Let us take a closer look.
To see how Detroit Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman is building the Detroit Red Wings, we need to look at the Tampa Bay Lightning roster. Doing this will give a strong indication of where he is taking the Red Wings.
Much like when he took over the Red Wings, Tampa Bay had some nice young players who are now the core of the Lightning’s roster. Steve Stamkos was already in Tampa when Yzerman arrived. That is a nice place to start. Defensive star Victor Hedman was also there.
Yzerman then got to work. One of the best at drafting hidden talent. Yzerman quickly amassed outstanding talent which aided the Lightning’s then rebuild. One thing Steve Yzerman did not do, sign big name free agents. Why not? The reason is free agents give a quick fix, much like a band-aid. Free agents do not equate to long term success.
Yzerman is a big, huge believer in team chemistry. Allowing young players the opportunity to play and grow together. After all, that is what Yzerman was exposed to when he played for the Red Wings.
Detroit has already let young players gel together. Dylan Larkin, Andreas Athanasiou, Tyler Bertuzzi, Anthony Mantha, Dennis Cholowski, Filip Hronek. Those players have all been together for two seasons. So soon to be Red Wings Joe Veleno and Filip Zadina will add to the Red Wings offensive fire power.
Yzerman struck again in his first draft as Red Wings GM. Taking Moritz Seider in the first round. Many fans and media were caught off guard. Last week at Red Wings developmental camp Seider stood out. In a good way mind you. He skates very well for a big man and is able to create in the offensive end Seider looks like the franchise defenseman the Wings so desperately need.
It is safe to say, once Yzerman has the young players he deems to be ready to take the next step, he will add bigger name free agents. It is also safe to say he will not sign any big name free agents. Yzerman as good as he was as a player (see NHL Hall of Fame) does not want the drama some players bring.
Right or wrong, Yzerman has a solid history of putting Stanley Cup caliber teams on the ice. This is what has come to Motown.
As a long time season ticket holder, We are just happy Stevie is leading the charge. Hoping the Red Wings are good again soon.