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In my third installment of Summer Reading, Chelios found out exactly what Yzerman was like as a leader.. Each of us is going to get another glimpse at the man and his process over the next few weeks.
Once the Stanley Cup Finals are over, you will hear the sound of a gavel. Every team in the NHL will be doing final preparations for the expansion draft. This is sort of a two week trade deadline. Nashville kicked things off by shipping out Arvidsson. The team was transparent regarding the motivation. This was a move to avoid losing a player for nothing.
Detroit’s situation isn’t really precarious. Some of you think Svechnikov will find his way to the west coast. I have to imagine that Yzerman has let all (but Montreal and Tampa) know who is available. The expansion draft is July 21st. Just two days later is the entry draft. In two weeks teams have to figure out who to part ways with, and some will try to acquire draft picks. All the behind the scenes work is about to bust wide open.
After both drafts, I expect RFA deals to be wrapped up and UFAs will be close behind. While all this is going on, there is a World Junior Showcase in Plymouth, MI. Perhaps a remote draft is a blessing for some of the scouts.
In just 18 days we will know who Yzerman has been scouting and can move on to creating the 2021/22 roster. In around three weeks time there will probably be some rookie development events in Detroit. From the summer lull to a rink full of new faces in 21 days. It will be difficult to keep up.
Columbus is saying that every GM in the league has checked in on Seth Jones. Obviously, Detroit is included in that group. I can’t imagine why Yzerman would forfeit the necessary assets for a right shot D who has told the world he is heading to free agency next summer. Regardless, he’s at least done the due diligence.
Once the cup is awarded, things will move quickly. It seems like Tatar is on his way out of Montreal after another cup final where he’s been absent in the final important games. I would love to see him come back to Detroit, but if he wants another shot at winning it all that’s probably not going to happen. For whatever reason, he just can’t get in a coach’s good graces and grab a spot when it’s all on the line.
We’re going to see a lot of activity, and there will be even more in “almost” deals that just don’t cross the finish line. The dominos are being set up in numerous scenarios but getting to the final piece that knocks them all down is difficult. Everyone wants to come out on the winning side of a deal. Meanwhile every RFA and UFA should be aware that they can get max term out of Seattle. Any one who’s at the table with Ron Francis could be getting a premium rate to pack up for team #32. They’re going to spend to the ceiling, and they’re starting at zero. That’s one heck of a shopping spree.
Whatever happens, I feel optimistic that the team will put some players in place for the future and bring in some bodies to get through another rebuilding season. With new talent behind the bench in Tanguay, there will actually be a focused effort to increase scoring. Last year’s focus on defensive play did a lot to add some stability. The organization will take strides internally as young players take on more responsibility and further their development. Players will depart in free agency and the team will get a little younger again.
I’m looking forward to seeing Moritz Seider in the Winged Wheel. I’m looking forward to a Grand Rapids team that will have some talented players come in. It will be good to see if Berggren and Veleno can find another level and add some depth to the center position. I’m looking forward to left side defensemen being added. All in all, I’m looking forward.
Every year feels important, but the club is wide open in possibilities. Everything is malleable while the look and identity of a future contender is still in flux. Not every draft, trade and signing will pan out. Those that do will reinforce and give insight into Yzerman’s vision for the finalized team. It’s exciting to know that many of the pieces are not yet in place. It’s a mystery that will be slowly revealed through the next few drafts and off seasons.
Some of you are already anxious, digging through pages of rumors of what Yzerman is going to do. Some of you are certain that you know exactly which pieces will be on the table. In truth, no one knows. The GM has so many scenarios and possibilities in front of him. Even he will say that the draft is a mystery. At some point, when the deals and picks fall into place, there will be a press conference. We’ll finally hear for how many weeks a player was discussed. We’ll finally know who the GMs are that had the most meaningful talks with Detroit. And it will all happen in the blink of an eye.
Take a deep breath. So much importance is placed on the next three major events (expansion draft, entry draft, free agency) by so many teams who are trying to address post season shortfalls. Teams like Detroit will be there to help facilitate deals and be rewarded with picks or players for their effort. All the what ifs are about to drop into their places as the roulette wheel comes to an abrupt halt. Try to enjoy the process as much as the results. Debates over the coming transactions could rage on for the next 5 years and we’ll find out if players were a win or a bust. Names and faces will be revealed very, very soon.
I’ll do my best to get everything up soon after it happens. You’ll all have your shot to read and comment on the strategies employed as the wait for September will start at the end of July. Then it’s a jump to training camps and into a “more normal” season (hopefully). It goes by so quickly, so I’ll try and keep up and hope that each of you finds excitement for the present and the future as Detroit comes another step closer to building something great.
Check out some of my previous posts
In my third installment of Summer Reading, Chelios found out exactly what Yzerman was like as a leader..
My third “Gear Corner” focused on helmets.
Alex Tanguay is a new assistant coach in Detroit.
I posted about the state of the Wings being at about half of the team it needs to be..
Frank Seravalli’s top 20 list has some options for Detroit.
My second summer reading post took a look at the world’s funniest bar fight.
My second “Gear Corner” talked a bit about gloves.
The Golden Knights are out of the playoffs.
Updated mock drafts have Detroit looking at Wallstedt, Eklund and Edvinsson.
Helm and Filppula could be moving on.
Jared McIsaac may finally be healthy enough to have a solid pro year.
My first “summer reading post” covered Chelios’s career defining fib.
Friday was my first gear corner with Doug Todd from Warrior Hockey.
Albert Johansson won’t be competing for a spot in North America this season
I will be featuring the writings of Kevin Allen for a summer reading program this year. It’s tough to break up the summer months, and the one on one formats that Kevin has perfected is not only a pleasure to read but gives insight that isn’t easy to come by. I’ll be starting with Chris Chelios “Made in America”.
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