The Daily: Yzerman Has Work To Do; Bruins Secretive On Goalies

The Detroit Red Wings’ season is over, and the real work is just beginning for general manager Steve Yzerman.

Bob Duff’s story details that Yzerman will have a busy summer, although it will be different than last summer when he acquired 10 new players. He traded for forward Alex DeBrincat and defenseman Jeff Petry, and signed UFA defensemen Shayne Gostisbehere and Justin Holl, forwards Patrick Kane, Christian Fischer, J.T. Compher and Daniel Sprong and goalies Alex Lyon and James Reimer.

This summer will be spent, mostly trying to re-sign his current players, although don’t rule out Yzerman bringing in a new player or two. The re-sign list includes restricted free agents Lucas Raymond and Moritz Seider. Yzerman also has to make room for two or three young players to join the team.

“I’m nervous,” Yzerman admitted. “We as a management group, myself I guess being in charge of management, have to make some good decisions. We’ll be sitting here next year saying, ‘Hey, that was a good decision,’ or we’ll be saying, ‘Steve, what we’re you thinking?’ That’s the reality of it.”

Yzerman says the team has to improve defensively to take another step.

“I hope we make the playoffs,” Yzerman suggested. “That’s what I’m gonna say. It’s gonna be a challenge. Honestly, it’s gonna be a challenge.”

That’s a candid response from Yzerman. He doesn’t blow smoke to pacify anyone. An analytical mind at work. (His, not mine). https://t.co/6DPEHRTQZ8

— Bob Wojnowski (@bobwojnowski) April 20, 2024

Red Wings In Case You Missed It

• The Red Wings have a crowded defensive outlook, but Detroit GM would like to find a way to keep pending UFA Shayne Gostisbehere. 
• The Red Wings-hosted Traverse City located NHL Propect Tournament is down to two teams.
• Filip Zadina‘s move to San Jose hdidn’t turn around his career as much as he hoped. He has some of the same issues with the Sharks he had in Detroit.
• Detroit GM Steve Yzerman said he “hopes” the Red Wings can make the playoffs next season. “Honestly, it’s going to be a challenge.”

Red Wings’ Offseason

The Grand Rapids Griffins, Detroit’s American Hockey League affiliate, plays its final game of the regular-season Sunday at home against the Milwaukee Admirals. The Griffins hold a one-point lead over the Rockford IceHogs for second place in the Central Division. The Griffins lost 4-1 to the Iowa Wild Friday night. Austin Czarnik scored the Griffins’ only goal. Defenseman Shai Buium made his professional debut for the Griffins.

Hockey Now Network

Boston: Coach Jim Montgomery is playing his goalie cards close to his vest. He has made a decision about who will start Game 1 of the playoffs, but he’s not sharing. He’s also not revealing whether he rotate his goalies like he did in the regular-season. Boston Bruins.

Colorado: The Avalanche have signed prospect Sean Behrens who was Buium’s teammate on the NCAA champion Denver team. Colorado Avalanche

Florida: Defenseman Aaron Ekblad, who missed the last six regular-season games with an injury, will be back for Game 1 of the playoffs. Florida Panthers.

Montreal: Montreal Hockey Now explains how NHL playoff results will impact the Montreal Canadiens‘ draft hopes.

Philadelphia: Flyers defenseman Jamie Drysdale may need offseason surgery. Philadelphia Flyers. 

Pittsburgh: Penguins defenseman Kris Letang played through a “significant” injury in 2023-24. It may require offseason surgery. Pittsburgh Penguins.

Vegas: Are the Golden Knights better off playing the No. 1-seeded Dallas Stars? You can make that argument. Vegas Golden Knights.