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Blashill was extended, and a mock draft has Wings picking a goalie at #6. I don’t love posting so close together, but the “Word on Woodward” presser after Blashill was extended, plus news of Seider’s award as “defenseman of the year” certainly merit their own page.
I posted regarding Seider’s nomination for defenseman of the year a few days ago. I’d also mentioned that he received the “elite prospect award”. I was shamed a bit by a reader who states that because the “elite prospect award” is paid for by “elite prospects” the website, it isn’t a real award and has nothing to do with a prospect being elite. Thankfully, the SHL agrees that Seider is something special. As a 19 year old for most of the season, Moritz was awarded defenseman of the year!
I’m relieved that the “fake” award I mentioned seemed to be supported and that its recipient actually had qualities that would brand him to be, indeed, elite. Sarcasm aside, most awards have to be voted on, and sponsorship doesn’t make them “fake”. Alfred Nobel helped blow a lot of stuff up before funding the Nobel Peace Prize….
On to the “Word on Woodward”. Yzerman didn’t appear until after 4:30, so if you want to get to his comments just fast forward. For the first half hour the group debated on which free agents should be re signed. There’s certainly an appetite to bring back Glendening and Bernier. Art’s assertion that Yzerman should re sign Staal at 2yr x 2.5 million may get a bit of a rise out of some of you. Staal was very steady, and turned out to be a steadying factor to be sure. I’m not sure about those dollars.
Yzerman was very clear on his thoughts regarding Jeff Blashill. He thought that JB respected his decisions, and Yzerman was in turn able to respect Blashill’s deployments. One of the more candid lines from the former captain was simply that the team needs more talent. Existing players need to step up, and scoring needs to be brought into the organization. He mentioned Bertuzzi/Larkin/Vrana as the age range for possible free agent signings. Yzerman made it clear that he won’t give up picks or prospects for a player that will be gone in 3 or 4 years.
The GM was also careful to caution the high expectations regarding Seider. He agreed that the next step for the big defenseman is the NHL, but warned that the transition from any league to the NHL is a big step. He wouldn’t rule out Raymond on the big club next year, “but he’s going to have to earn a job”.
Yzerman was asked about the term of Blashill’s new deal and said it’s his own internal policy not to release that information. He also addressed Larkin’s injury when asked for specifics. “In keeping with consistency, it is an upper body injury and he’s day to day”. That one got a few laughs.
Overall, Steve Yzerman expects continued improvement but understands that adding goals is easier said than done. He acknowledged that he’s using playoff games to scout potential free agents, and will be meeting with jr scouting to start working on the draft. It’s all business, and the man never quits. A good watch if you have the time.
Let me know what you thought of his comments, and what you think we’ll see on the ice next season.
Check out my previous blogs:
Blashill was extended, and a mock draft has Wings picking a goalie at #6
Roster turnover
Albert Johansson playing for team Sweden
Are you rooting for former Wings Players in the playoffs?
Thanks for a great season
Why Culture matters
my thoughts on Blashill
your picks so far
Give me your picks and predictions 
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