The Detroit Red Wings had questions surrounding their roster before last week's trade deadline. General Manager Steve Yzerman had the task of making this team better without mortgaging the future.
What deals he made, or did not make, say more about his future as general manager than it does not. He made one move. It was not earth shattering. He did not make a move that moved the needle. He did not make a move to make this team better, now or in the future. Instead, he brought back a goalie from years ago and a 35-year-old center.
Red Wings fans question Steve Yzerman
Yzerman made one move. He acquired goaltender Petr Mrazek and forward Craig Smith from the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for center Joe Veleno. Mrazek played for Detroit from 2012-13 until 2017-18 and grabbed 72 wins in the process. Along with Mrazek comes Smith, who is a veteran center who shoots right and has 16 points in 40 games this season.
This move has so many questions behind it. Why a 35-year-old center when Veleno was productive at center at only 25 years old? Why bring in Mrazek when he has two capable NHL goaltenders already on the roster? Why was Veleno dealt when so many other players were unsuccessful?
As far as Mrazek coming in, backup Alex Lyon is only under contract for this season while Mrazek is under contract until 2025-26. He may be looking at next season already but is there not a better option to go after in free agency than Mrazek?
Lyon is performing better and has a team-friendly contract. Is Yzerman assuming Lyon is already gone after this season? Also, Veleno is a better value and is younger to help this team grow for the future. Plus, he is a good two-way player.
Yzerman has either made questionable moves or has made no move at all. After six years as general manager, this team remains in the middle of the standings. Have they improved? Somewhat, but it has not been the impact most thought it would be. This team is still far away from competing for a Stanley Cup and they have not even acquired a playoff spot in nearly 10 years.
This move does nothing for the future of the Red Wings. He did nothing to improve the team, who is in a playoff push this season. Every team, except the Montreal Canadiens, got better including the Florida Panthers, who greatly improved their team.
Fans have been waiting for a winner in Detroit hockey for the longest time. They have not been in playoff contention except for the last two seasons. The players brought in are older veterans who cannot contribute.
This team needed several moves to improve their playoff chances and they made a minor move. If free agency this off-season does not involve the Red Wings picking up a few big names, then we have to question if Yzerman is the man for the job. Every move he has made in the trade market or free agency has set the team backwards. The only thing saving this franchise from the bottom of the league has been their draft picks in recent years.