Austin Konenski
The Detroit Red Wings, led by general manager Steve Yzerman, need to figure out what to do moving forward. After a historic collapse, the Red Wings were eliminated from playoff contention before the final week of the NHL regular season. However, could Detroit move on from Yzerman instead?
No one there can see Red Wings owner Chris Ilitch pulling the trigger on firing Yzerman, as reported by Jeff Marek on the Daily Faceoff Live. Marek believes that the Red Wings general manager will be safe and keep his job.
If so, Yzerman has to make changes to Detroit going into the 2026 NHL offseason.
Steve Yzerman must make big moves if he stays as Red Wings GM
Dylan Larkin, Lucas Raymond, Alex DeBrincat, and Mo Seider need more help before the 2026-27 NHL regular season. The top six provided most of the offensive production for Detroit, while the bottom six struggled. If Yzerman keeps his job as general manager, the offense needs to be the focus.
The Red Wings could use an elite forward on the first line to join Larkin. It is easier said than done, but someone like Ottawa Senators forward Brady Tkachuk would be a massive addition. Tkachuk is just one example, but Detroit must decide whether to elevate the prospects or use them to acquire a big-name player.
Yzerman also has to revamp the bottom six. The Red Wings lacked offensive production, and while players like James van Riemsdyk performed well to start the 2025-26 NHL season, they disappeared down the stretch. The lack of depth significantly impacted the Red Wings’ potential push to the playoffs.
Therefore, Yzerman’s top two priorities should be acquiring an elite difference maker on offense and revamping the bottom six. If Yzerman is unable to acquire a big-name forward, the team must focus on the young players.
Yzerman’s job seems to be safe, and if the Red Wings keep him around, he needs to make big moves.
Read More: Detroit Red Wings 2026 Collapse – Why Big Changes Are Needed
