DETROIT — Executive Vice President and General Manager Steve Yzerman and head coach Todd McLellan addressed the media in a combined end-of-season session to discuss the Detroit Red Wings’ 2024-25 performance and their plans moving forward. Reflecting on the past season, Yzerman acknowledged, “At the start of the year, we felt we could compete for a playoff spot.” He added that despite the efforts, they did not make the playoffs, which was disappointing.
Mid-season changes included McLellan becoming head coach and Trent Yawney as assistant coach on December 26. Under McLellan’s leadership, the team improved significantly. McLellan shared his initial experience taking over, saying, “We coached against Toronto [on Dec. 27], and I didn’t even know the players’ names,” illustrating his quick adaptation to the team.
However, McLellan confirmed that changes are expected in his coaching staff, with the departure of goaltending coach Alex Westlund and video coordinator LJ Scarpace. He emphasized, “Those are significant roles…but just something that we needed to do in the coach’s room to stir things up.”
As the offseason approaches, Detroit is preparing for the 2025 NHL Entry Draft and NHL Free Agency. Yzerman highlighted the importance of evaluating both restricted and unrestricted free agents, stating, “Everybody must look at themselves and do more. It’s up to us…It starts with me right here.”
On the topic of free agency, Yzerman maintained that adding talent would be considered if it aligns with the team’s needs. “We’re going to look at any good player…absolutely we would try to do that,” he said. McLellan added that building leadership within the team could be critical in facing challenges.
Yzerman, who returned as GM in 2019, aims to build a strong foundation for the Red Wings. He stated, “We’re trying to draft good, young men who are talented…I think we’re on the right path to that.”
The overall goal remains to bring the team to a level of sustainable success, as Yzerman explained, “I consider it being continued success — that you’re in and expected to be in the playoffs, you’re trying to win and aiming for Stanley Cups. That’s what we’re trying to do here.”
