Red Wings' Yzerplan on the Line as Playoff Hopes Fade

Detroit GM Steve Yzerman faces pressure as team struggles to make postseason

Mar. 27, 2026 at 12:04am

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Detroit Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman is under increasing pressure as the team's playoff hopes fade late in the season. The Red Wings have slid down the Eastern Conference standings and now sit 10th, one point out of a playoff spot with only 11 games left. If Detroit misses the playoffs for the 10th straight season after looking like near locks for months, Yzerman's job could be in jeopardy.

Why it matters

Yzerman's tenure as Red Wings GM has not gone as smoothly as many expected, and the team's late-season collapse could spell the end of the "Yzerplan" in Detroit. The Red Wings have struggled to end their playoff drought, and Yzerman's relative lack of major moves at the trade deadline will be scrutinized if the team falls short.

The details

The Red Wings have the 10th-hardest remaining schedule, with games against tough opponents like the Buffalo Sabres, Minnesota Wild, Tampa Bay Lightning and Columbus Blue Jackets. Detroit has over $10 million in unused salary cap space, and many feel Yzerman should have done more to upgrade the team's center depth, especially with injuries to Dylan Larkin and Andrew Copp. The Red Wings have gone just 3-3-1 and averaged 2.71 goals per game during Larkin's absence.

  • With only 11 games left in the Red Wings' season, it's now time for full-on panic in Motown.
  • Detroit now sits 10th in the East heading into Thursday's NHL action, one point out of a playoff spot.

The players

Steve Yzerman

The legendary Red Wings player has not had the success he may have anticipated when he took the Wings' job in April 2019.

Dylan Larkin

The Red Wings' star center, who has missed time due to injury this season.

Andrew Copp

Another key center for the Red Wings who has dealt with injuries.

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What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.