Yzerman acquired depth center Mitchell Stephens with a 6th round pick. This seems to be a replacement for the loss of Luke Glendening.
UPDATE: The Detroit #RedWings today acquired center Mitchell Stephens from the Tampa Bay Lightning in exchange for Detroit’s 6th round pick in the 2022 NHL entry draft. pic.twitter.com/m0SSZvwwzV
— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) July 30, 2021
I posted Pius Suter’s Zoom call yesterday. It was interesting to see his response to being available, and seems like a good pickup for the organization.
In Yzerman’s press conference, there were some nice highlights. It’s worth your time, here are a few takeaways:
Yzerman mentioned a “healthy” Bertuzzi as being a difference maker. It really sounds like they’ll get him taken care of.
Larkin should be ready for camp.
His advice to prospects - be better than the players we have on the team. This is the heart of what I like about Yzerman. Jobs can be taken, but they aren’t just going to be handed out. In the past, we’ve seen players stuck in the minors to be “overripe”. It was frustrating sometimes. He’s literally saying that if a prospect is better than a roster player, they will get that spot.
Seider is expected to be on the roster. There are 4 right and 4 left side defensemen. I don’t remember the balance being that dead on. Usually there was someone playing the “off” side.
He was happy to see Pius Suter hit the market, and see him as a center. I thought that was a given, but there’s been “buzz” in the press to the contrary.
Yzerman is leaving the door open to sign another forward or two. Otherwise the roster looks set.
Witkowski signing is, to be sure, a depth signing. I do like the guy. I wasn’t overly excited about the signing, but in the right position he serves a definite purpose.
Chase Pearson could be competing for a depth center position. But, again, more minutes in GR is a determining factor. It’s better for these kids to get top minutes instead of 5 or 6 minutes in the NHL while developing.
All in all, Yzerman tempers his approach. Raymond will be given a chance to compete, but if he’s not ready, he’s not ready. It’s so even keel, and so different. As fans, there has been frustration in the past when someone seems to be clearly better but the vet gets the job. I like the approach, and I like the temperament. Let me know what you think.
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