The Daily: Can Yzerman Make Issue Disappear?; Burns to Avs

Does Detroit GM Yzerman have a pair of aces tucked up his sleeve? Will he soon pull a rabbit out of his hat? Can he rub a tarnished old lamp and have a 40-goal scorer appear on his roster?

Fans are waiting for a magic show that hasn’t happened.

After the first two days of free agency, Yzerman hasn’t shown a magic wand to fix Detroit’s offense  or significantly strengthen the team’s defensive corps.  This UFA class was small, and became smaller when teams re-signed a few stars and Mitch Marner decided the Vegas Golden Knights were his only choice. And let’s face reality, the Red Wings are not an attractive destination today.

Yzerman did upgrade his goaltending by acquiring John Gibson, and whether fans want to believe it or not, James van Riemsdyk for $1 million is a plus-signing. He scored 16 goals last season, and it’s not unthinkable that he could score 16-18 this season. The man knows what to do in front of the net. But while Mason Appleton is a coach-pleasing, dependable player, he has not historically been a dangerous scorer.

Appleton heads to the Detroit Red Wings to likely play on their third line. Deal is solid value for both sides. #NHL #NHLFreeAgency #LGRW @MaxTermPod @CapWages pic.twitter.com/241gtDePZO

— AFP Analytics (@AFPAnalytics) July 2, 2025

The preliminary assessment is that the Red Wings, who now have a full roster of players, will again struggle to score enough goals this season and their defense still will put too much pressure on their goaltending.

That’s a fair review based on what we’ve seen thus far.  Perhaps younger players, particularly Marco Kasper and Simon Edvinsson, could provide more offense this season. That will help. Maybe Axel Sandin Pellikka makes the roster, or Michael Brandsegg-Nygard. But none of that feels like it will be enough help.

The only true hope for the Red Wings is that Yzerman can conjure up help in the trade market. He still has $12 million in cap space and there are players available who can score goals.  Yzerman really needs to pull off the show-stopping trick of making Detroit’s problems disappear.

Red Wings In Case You Missed It

Curious decision by the Red Wings to sign Mason Appleton to a two-year deal for $2.9 million per season.

James van Riemsdyk understands how he needs to play to be successful. That’s why he still continues to get NHL contracts.

Big forward Elmer Soderblom receives two-year contract for $1.25 million per season.

Red Wings Extra

Detroit prospect Cross Hanas was not given a qualifying offer, meaning he is a free agent.  In other news, two 2025 draft picks, Slovak goalie Michal Pradel and forward Michal Svrcek, were selected in the CHL Import Draft. Pradel was selected fourth overall by the Regina Pats, while Svrcek went 53rd to the Windsor Spitfires. It makes it easy for the Red Wings to view Svrcek next season. The slick winger put up 30 points in 30 games playing in the Swedish Junior League.

Michal Pradel should immediately become one of the best netminders in the WHL with Regina. He's probably still going to see a ton of rubber, but he should give them quality starts. A possible trade piece for them at some point to continue their retool?@mckeenshockey pic.twitter.com/vzumrudLkk

— Brock Otten (@BrockOtten) July 3, 2025

Hockey Now Network

Boston: Andrew Fantucchio tries to make sense of the messy Bruins’ depth chart. Boston Bruins. 

Chicago: No need to worry about the contract status of Chicago’s key younger players, including Connor Bedard. Deals will get done, writes Greg Boysen. Chicago Blackhawks

Colorado: The Avalanche pulled off a surprise signing, bringing in veteran Brent Burns on a one-year incentive-laden contract.  Colorado Avalanche.

Pittsburgh: Penguins sign Washington Capitals defenseman.  Pittsburgh Penguins 

San Jose: Top notch beat reporter Sheng Peng weighs in on the state of the Sharks and the job GM Mike Grier is doing. This is a paywall story. If you subscribe to DHN+, then you also can read subscription stories on the other Hockey Now sites. To subscribe, click here: San Jose Sharks. 

Vegas: Golden Knights are taking some risk by giving defenseman Kaedan Korczak a four-year deal at $3.25 million per season. Vegas Golden Knights.