Hard to Argue With Draft Strategy of Red Wings Yzerman

Is Steve Yzerman’s record as GM of the Detroit Red Wings spotless? Hardly. Has he made some questionable decisions with UFA contracts? Most certainly.

Is the so-called Yzerplan a failure? Absolutely not.

And if you’re in that group of Red Wing fans who’ve been suggesting that it’s time replace Yzerman, well, then you really haven’t been paying to what’s unfolding right before your very eyes.

Just take a look at the Detroit roster. The signs of a plan coming together are all over the ice.

Currently, the Red Wings are suiting up a half dozen players who were Yzerman draft picks. And almost every one of them is playing a key role for a team that is 10-4-1 over the past 15 games.

Lucas Raymond (4th overall, 2020) and Marco Kasper (8th overall, 2022) skate on the top line with captain Dylan Larkin.

Moritz Seider (6th overall, 2019) and Simon Edvinsson (6th overall, 2021) are top-four defenders.

ALBERT JOHANSSON FIRST NHL GOAL! #LGRW pic.twitter.com/D3xGhWflBD

— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) January 11, 2025

Beyond them, Albert Johansson (60th overall, 2019) is playing in Detroit’s second defense pairing alongside Edvinsson.

Massive winger Elmer Soderblom (159th overall, 2019) was recently summoned from AHL Grand Rapids for his second NHL look. In his brief tenure, he’s shown more upside than the majority of Detroit’s bottom-six forwards. He’s displaying an impressive skill set for a big man. And he knows how to use his hulking frame to protect the puck.

Red Wings head coach Todd McLellan gave a thumbs up to Elmer Soderblom's performance during first game in the NHL this season and what he brought to his line. #LGRW pic.twitter.com/fPEYE8Eh5X

— FanDuel Sports Network Detroit (@FanDuelSN_DET) January 22, 2025

“What he brings to the table, it’s great to have,” Larkin said of the 6-foot-8, 248-pound Soderblom. “I was really impressed with his attitude and how he handled himself.”

Red Wings McLellan Putting Faith In Future

Just as importantly, in new coach Todd McLellan, Yzerman has installed a bench boss who’s not afraid to give the kids a chance. There always seemed to be a reluctance with previous coach Derek Lalonde to allow his younger players opportunities in roles of significance.

“To see the kids come in and play now is really important,” McLellan said. “It’s really rewarding for everybody in the organization, including the fans.”

That’s going to be even more important going forward. Soon, more of Yzerman’s draftees will be arriving in Detroit. Players like goalie Sebastian Cossa, defensemen Axel Sandin Pellikka and William Wallinder and forwards Nate Danielson, Carter Mazur and Michael Brandsegg-Nygard will be pushing for spots.

“Forward thinking, with the type of players I hear are coming, if they maintain their development path, there’s going to be more of them arriving and hopefully they can do what this group of young men have done.”

It might be too late this season to get to the playoffs. As good as the Red Wings are playing under McLellan, the climb they’re facing is an arduous one.

Still, positives abound. In McLellan, the right coach is finally in place. Home-grown talent is beginning to take over key roles on the team.

Detroit’s future isn’t merely hopeful. It’s suddenly glowing with brightness.