from Greg Wyshynski of ESPN,
Franchise icon Steve Yzerman built a juggernaut in Tampa. What are his plans for the Detroit Red Wings? Here's everything you need to know about the team heading into the 2019-20 NHL season:
The big question: How long before the Yzer-plan kicks in?
Detroit fans have been clamoring for Yzerman's return since he left for the Tampa Bay Lightning's front office. He's preached patience since replacing Ken Holland, refusing to put a timeline on Detroit's return to respectability. Which means Steve Yzerman can definitely read an organizational depth chart.
While the Wings have some established young players -- led by Dylan Larkin, Anthony Mantha, Andreas Athanasiou and Tyler Bertuzzi, with Joe Veleno, Michael Rasmussen, Evgeny Svechnikov, Filip Zadina and Moritz Seider leading the next wave -- they're surrounded by some high-priced holdovers and veteran placeholders from the Holland era. (And, of course, Detroit goalie-for-life Jimmy Howard.) How many of these players are actually part of the Yzer-plan, as he puts his stamp on the Wings?
Bold prediction
Moritz Seider, the No. 6 overall pick this year, plays more games with the Red Wings than Filip Zadina, the No. 6 overall pick in 2018.
Breakout candidate: Filip Hronek
Remember how Dennis Cholowski was the rookie toast of the blue line last season for a minute? Well, his stock fell while that of 21-year-old Hronek surged....
Create an Account
In order to leave a comment, please create an account.