from Nicholas J. Cotsonika of NHL.com,
Steve Yzerman has generated more optimism the past three weeks than the Detroit Red Wings have had since … well, since he took over as general manager April 19, 2019.
He has passion, patience and a plan, and though the Red Wings are still early in their rebuilding process, you can see the path forward based on the NHL Draft, free agency and trades....
The Red Wings need difference-makers, and the most likely way to add them is through drafting and developing.
They selected forward Lucas Raymond with the No. 4 pick of the 2020 NHL Draft on Oct. 6. He represents the highest pick they have had in three decades, since forward Keith Primeau at No. 3 in 1990. Perhaps he and defenseman Moritz Seider, the No. 6 pick in the 2019 NHL Draft and Detroit's first pick under Yzerman, can become cornerstones.
But since former GM Ken Holland recognized their 25-season playoff streak was about to end in 2016-17, the Red Wings have been stockpiling picks to give themselves more lottery tickets. After selecting 10 players in Rounds 2-7 last year, including three in the second round, they selected 11 players in Rounds 2-7 on Oct. 7, including three in the second round and two in the third. They have three picks in the second round and two in the third next year. Can some of them blossom into stars one day?
In the meantime, the Red Wings have to improve all parts of their roster and become more competitive, for their fans and the development of the players they already have.
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