Time To Turn The Page: Has The 'Yzerplan' Completely Failed?
Folks, we need to talk about the ‘Yzerplan.' It has now been seven full seasons since franchise legend Steve Yzerman took over as GM of the Detroit Red Wings, and for a seventh consecutive season, the Wings failed to make the playoffs.
Oh sure, Detroit has come close to making the post-season, but that's cold comfort for Red Wings fans, who had become accustomed to excellence in the early part of this century.
Think about it this way: former captain and fellow legend Nicklas Lidstrom did not miss the playoffs a single year during his two decades with the franchise, and he retired in 2012. Current captain Dylan Larkin has made the post-season just once during his decade in Detroit – and it was during his rookie campaign.
What Are The Bare Minimums Yzerman Should Hit To Remain Red Wings GM?
After a disastrous season by his Detroit Red Wings, GM Steve Yzerman's future is up for debate. If he returns, Adam Proteau lists three minimums he should meet during the off-season and beginning of next season.
This season wasn't much different. True, Yzerman acquired 34-year-old defenseman Justin Faulk from St. Louis and brought 37-year-old winger David Perron back to town, but these trades were not blockbusters. Perron had two points through 14 games, while Faulk was getting roughed up by opponents on a pairing with Ben Chiarot.
What Detroit needed was a game-changer. Perhaps Nazem Kadri was always destined to go back to Colorado at the deadline, but what about Vincent Trocheck? The New York Rangers didn't end up trading the versatile center, who was dynamite at the Olympics for Team USA, but what if Yzerman had made them an offer they couldn't refuse? Detroit has a slew of prospects and young players. Eventually, you're supposed to move them for what you need now. Inertia has been Detroit's biggest enemy. And it's not going to get any easier next season.
'Another Total Collapse': Social Media Reacts To Red Wings' Playoff Drought Reaching 10 Years
The Detroit Red Wings now have the longest active playoff drought in the NHL. Hockey fans on social media discussed the team's drop in the standings, who's to blame and what could come next.
After losing all-world center Aleksander Barkov before 2025-26 began, the Panthers gave an opening to another team in the Atlantic. Detroit was the most obvious candidate to step up, and even with Toronto dropping to the bottom, the Red Wings couldn't make the dance. Instead, Buffalo stepped up, and Boston got back into the post-season after a one-year slide.
I recognize it's tricky in Detroit. Yzerman is one of the most important players in franchise history, and he was in the front office when they last won the Cup in 2008. But this can't go on any longer. Red Wings fans won't accept another mediocre season, and nor should they. Detroit needs a new plan, and it must start this summer – with or without ‘Stevie Y.'
This article appeared in The Hockey News' Top 100 NHLers 2026 issue.
Top 100 NHLers 2026 provides a look at the top 100 players in the NHL, PHWL playoff previews, as well as features on Edmonton Oilers' Connor McDavid, San Jose Sharks' Macklin Celebrini, and more.
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The Hockey News
This story was originally published May 17, 2026 at 11:04 AM.