Detroit Red Wings
Red Wings Daily: Flyers’ Follies Make the “Yzerplan” Look Ever Better
While Detroit Red Wings fans are likely still buzzing after the moves general manager Steve Yzerman made Wednesday, there’s another fan base seething at what wasn’t done.
It should serve as a reminder of just how far–and how fortunate–Red Wings fans are the captain did indeed come home.
Philly Hockey Now’s Sam Carchidi writes about the struggles of Philadelphia Flyers general manager Chuck Fletcher this offseason. Fletcher’s inability to offer Johnny Gaudreau a contract because he didn’t clear other ones out is one major misstep for the veteran manager.
But Carchidi writes that either Fletcher is so poor at his job that he’s failed to improve again, or he’s inevitably a “genius” in tanking.
After all, he’s giving the Flyers a great chance to land Connor Bedard in the 2023 NHL Draft.
Carchidi notes this and a plethora of playing time for young prospects may work in Fletcher’s favor yet.
Meanwhile in Detroit, Red Wings fans need not worry about what their GM is doing.
It’s all part of the (Yzer)plan.
Yzerman Has Been Forthright from Day One
Yzerman made it clear that he would need time and that he was tearing things down to rebuild on a new foundation. This has been chronicled often since he took the job in 2019.
While he’s never one to tip his hand, he’s been transparent about his intentions.
It’s something Flyers fans could only hope for. They may get some breaks if, as Carchidi writes, things fall the right way. But many Red Wings would warn Flyers fans about putting faith in the draft lottery. Tanking doesn’t always equal the #1 pick.
For all the slippage in spots, the Red Wings manager answered by taking Moritz Seider, (6th) and Lucas Raymond (4th). Detroit didn’t fall in the last two drafts, but he sure looks like he’s hit on Simon Edvinsson, too.
Yzerman will be questioned at times–which is perfectly normal and healthy. But it’s clear as day as to what his objectives are.
Fletcher’s apparently remain to be seen.
Red Wings In Case You Missed It
Simon Edvinsson is yet another reason Detroit Red Wings fans should be optimistic for the upcoming season.
Players will be battling for roster spots in Red Wings training camp? Not much room for rookies.
Ben Chiarot gives the Red Wings a beastly presence on the blue line.
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National Hockey Now
Boston: The Boston Bruins‘ top prospect Mason Lohrei is recovering from a knee surgery and is expected to start skating again in a few weeks.
Washington: The Capitals were in the thick of things during free agency, purportedly going after Mason Marchment and Ilya Mikheyev before losing out.
Montreal: General manager Kent Hughes believes Juraj Slafkovsky will be a “difference-maker” for the Montreal Canadiens.
San Jose: NHL Scouts have praised the offseason moves by the San Jose Sharks.
Pittsburgh: What ultimately changed Evgeni Malkin’s mind and kept him with the Pittsburgh Penguins?
New York: New York Islanders fans know exactly what Calgary fans are experiencing with Johnny Gaudreau signing in Columbus.
Vancouver: The Vancouver Canucks hope a goalie battle takes place in training camp.