Detroit City Wire

Last Thursday, Steve Yzerman, Executive Vice President and General Manager of the Detroit Red Wings, addressed the media at Little Caesars Arena. He discussed the early days of the 2025 NHL Free Agency and other key topics concerning the team's offseason activities.

Before the free agency market opened, the Red Wings made several moves. They re-signed defenseman prospect Antti Tuomisto to a one-year, two-way contract on June 26 and extended blueliner William Lagesson's contract for two years on June 27.

During Day 2 of this year's NHL Entry Draft on June 28, Detroit acquired goalie John Gibson from the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for netminder Petr Mrazek, a second-round pick in 2027, and a fourth-round selection in 2026.

The team was active last Monday as well. They traded forward Vladimir Tarasenko to the Minnesota Wild for future considerations. Additionally, they re-signed defenseman Albert Johansson to a two-year extension and agreed to one-year deals with forwards Jonatan Berggren and Patrick Kane.

On Tuesday, Detroit signed defensemen Ian Mitchell and Jacob Bernard-Docker along with forwards James van Riemsdyk and John Leonard to one-year contracts. The following day saw them extend forward Elmer Soderblom's contract by two years and sign forward Mason Appleton to a two-year deal.

Yzerman expressed optimism about these changes: “Today, I think our team is a little bit more competitive...Overall, I think we’re a little bit better.”

Discussing this summer’s free-agent market conditions, Yzerman noted: “Going into free agency...there weren’t as many what we would all consider high-end free agents available this year.”

Despite challenges in acquiring big-name players, Yzerman highlighted additions like Jacob Bernard-Docker: “Not a big-name signing but has been an effective player.” He also mentioned James van Riemsdyk (JVR) and Mason Appleton as valuable assets.

Yzerman indicated that further roster improvements are possible: “Opportunities arise...wait for the right player.”

He emphasized strategic use of salary cap space: “We have plenty of cap space...What we could use right now is a defenseman.”

Yzerman also stressed internal development: “I don’t want to rule out anybody coming in...forcing us to take a longer look.”

The Red Wings' offseason efforts aim to position them favorably for the upcoming season while maintaining flexibility for potential future moves.