Yzerman Keeps Projections of What’s Ahead for Red Wings in Simple Terms

Playoffs? No, Detroit Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman isn’t talking about playoffs.

Progress. That’s what he’s projecting his team to make during the 2025-26 NHL season.

“I see progress in the organization,” Yzerman said. “I look at the young players coming into the organization, and I look at the young players playing on the Detroit Red Wings today.

“As we continue to build a young core that is here for a long time, I’m hopeful that we will eventually compete on a regular basis to make the playoffs.

“So that’s what we’re trying to do.”

We get it. That’s not what you want to hear. You want proclamations, you want guarantees that after nine years in the wilderness, the playoffs and the Red Wings are about to become reacquainted.

Red Wings Yzerman Gets Your Frustration Level

Believe it or not, Yzerman gets that, too.

“We’re not completely tone deaf,” Yzerman said. “I understand the frustration or maybe the lack of … I don’t want to say patience, because I think everybody’s been pretty patient. But the sense of urgency within the fan base, I understand it.”

At the same time, what he is seeking to achieve probably isn’t on the same timeframe as what you want to see, which is playoff hockey as soon as possible.

Steve Yzerman begins his seventh season as Red Wings general manager, and reiterated that rebuilds take time.

"We're not completely tone-deaf," he said. "We know the expectations and the hopes for our fanbase… but we're going to continue with the process." pic.twitter.com/hZwfDUGYGq

— Brad Galli (@BradGalli) September 18, 2025

“I look at it differently than you look at it,” Yzerman said, essentially speaking to Red Wings fans. “You just want us to make the playoffs, which is fine. I’m not going to argue with you about that.

“We’re trying to build a team that competes for a Stanley Cup and can win a Stanley Cup. So, how many years is it supposed to take? I don’t know? Is it four? Is it five? Is it 10?”

Ultimately, the question of whether it’s taking the Red Wings too long to complete this journey won’t be answered by you, by me, or by Yzerman.

Ownership Remains Supportive Of Yzerman

It will be the call of Red Wings governor and CEO Christopher Ilitch. And based on the fact that Yzerman is still on the job, it can only be assumed that Ilitch’s opinion is that Yzerman has the team heading in the right direction.

“Chris and I have spoken, and going back to when he hired me, that it is going to take a long time and we’re going to be patient and we’re going to allow our young players to develop,” Yzerman said. “He’s understood the process and where we’re at.”

Yzerman asked about his job security.

I will keep saying his hot seat level is at ice cold, rebuilds take a while and all of the the org understands that but many do not want to accept it #lgrw pic.twitter.com/QmdkGaCwBH

— Champagne Athletics (@champletics) September 17, 2025

Externally, you may think that Yzerman is on the hot seat following nine years without playoff hockey. Internally, there’s no evidence suggesting that he’s under fire.

If that situation changes, if Ilitch were to decide to take a different direction with the management of the Red Wings, Yzerman will also be accepting of that choice.

“Ultimately, it’s ownership’s decision,” Yzerman said. “When they feel that they’re not happy with the direction of the club or the plan, then that’s their decision.”

Until that day comes, Yzerman intends to stay the course. To keep making steady progress with the Red Wings, no matter how slow the process might seem from the outside.