News Flash: Red Wings GM Doesn’t Care What You Think

It’s fair to say that much of the operating approach of Detroit Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman is founded in old-school philosophies.

He prefers to keep things internal when it comes to the goings-on of the club. News leaks are frowned upon. Stevie Y rules with an iron fist.

Yzerman also chooses to surround himself with trusted lieutenants. He’s loathe to welcome outsiders into his inner circle.

Yzerman also believes strongly in the theory that the sports team front office person who takes advice from fans will soon find himself sitting among them.

Steve Yzerman does not care what you think about him 🐙#LGRW #RedWings pic.twitter.com/of2FnAKzVH

— Hockeytown Rundown (@HockeytownRD) April 29, 2025

Yzerman doesn’t care what you think. Don’t feel badly, though. He doesn’t care what I think, either.

Nor should he.

Stevie Y is his own man, and he will continue to follow his own plan . . . although unlike you, he won’t call it the Yzerplan.

Approaching his work in this manner isn’t merely prudent, it is advisable. It’s the only way any GM should be doing it.

Is Red Wings Yzerman On Hot Seat?

It’s fair for everyone to speculate whether another season out of the playoffs might put Yzerman on the hot seat, make it so his job could be in jeopardy.

If so, his attitude is so be it.

“Well, that’s not necessarily for me to answer,” Yzerman said.

He’s going to keep on doing what he thinks is right and isn’t looking for anyone’s stamp of approval.

“I don’t do my job worrying about whether I’m on the hot seat or not,” Yzerman said. “That’s your job, you know, and to be honest with you, I don’t really care what you think

“With all due respect, I got to do my job and I will do my job. And you know, the Ilitch family, I report to them and they’ll make the decision if or when that comes.”

Yzerman Will Remain His Own Man

Has Yzerman made mistakes along the way? Sure. He’ll even admit it.

Speaking to his free-agent signings, Yzerman acknowledges “it’s been a bit of a mixed bag.”

One aspect that doesn’t enter Yzerman’s thought process is regret. Pressed on whether he’d like a do-over on his Jake Walman trade of last year, Yzerman remains unrepentent.

Steve Yzerman on Jake Walman 👀🐙#LGRW #RedWings pic.twitter.com/Z5g8HKHTp5

— Hockeytown Rundown (@HockeytownRD) April 29, 2025

“No and no,” Yzerman answered on whether he’d like to redo the trade, or even still have Walman on the roster.

Why? Well, that’s for him to know and for us to not find out . . . at least not from him.

“Sorry I’m just not going to elaborate on it,” Yzerman said. “I choose not to. Things I don’t want to share with you.”

Like it or not, Yzerman is going to keep on following the path he believes will lead to long-term success for the Red Wings.

We may disagree with him in certain aspects of his approach, but we will never sway him.

“I’m going to continue to do my job and do what I think is right and always do what’s right for the Red Wings organization,” Yzerman said.