Patience isn’t easy in sports. In a league driven by instant gratification, where free agency splashes and blockbuster trades dominate headlines, rebuilding the right way can feel like watching paint dry. But for the Detroit Red Wings, patience hasn’t been a weakness; it’s been the blueprint.
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When Steve Yzerman returned to Detroit in 2019 as general manager, fans expected nothing less than a miracle. After all, this was the man who built the Tampa Bay Lightning into a powerhouse. But even then, Yzerman warned: “It’s going to take time.”
He wasn’t lying.
Building Slowly, Building Right
Detroit’s rebuild has been a grind. No shortcuts, no chasing quick fixes. Instead, Yzerman focused on accumulating draft picks, developing prospects properly, and refusing to mortgage the future for a fleeting playoff push.
That patience is starting to bear fruit. Moritz Seider has emerged as the team’s cornerstone on defense. Lucas Raymond is blossoming into a star up front. Dylan Larkin, once a bridge between eras, now looks like the leader of a group ready to turn the page. The pipeline is strong, with names like Marco Kasper and Axel Sandin Pellikka, pushing closer.
But 2025-26 feels different. This isn’t just another year in the rebuild; it’s a pivot point.
The 2025 Offseason: A Statement of Intent
Yzerman’s patience was always going to be tested once Detroit reached the cusp of contention. This past offseason proved that the waiting game was worth it.
The Red Wings didn’t just sit on their hands. They targeted needs with precision. A veteran top-six forward, James van Riemsdyk,
was added to ease the scoring burden on Larkin and Raymond. Depth scoring was bolstered, ensuring Detroit wouldn’t rely on its stars alone to carry the load. On defense, reinforcements were brought in to complement Seider, giving the blue line more balance and stability.
And then there’s the goaltending question. After years of patchwork solutions, Detroit doubled down on stability in net by adding John Gibson from the Anaheim Ducks as the starter, exploring a bigger swing, like bringing in a proven veteran. For the first time in years, it feels like the Red Wings enter a season without their crease being a glaring weakness.
Each move…
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