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Detroit Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman had some harsh words for his players during a recent press conference. After winning 31 of their first 51 games of the 2025-26 season, the Red Wings sat atop the Atlantic Division standings in late January. Nevertheless, Detroit ultimately struggled down the stretch and extended its decade-long playoff drought.

Because of the collapse, Yzerman has received plenty of criticism in recent weeks. In fact, some in the industry have even questioned his future with the club. The Detroit legend, however, currently remains in place following the disappointing campaign. On April 23, Yzerman faced the music by answering a series of tough questions in front of reporters.

During the press conference, the exec admitted that he did not fully believe in his team, even when they were at the top of the division. “Truthfully, throughout the course of the season…we had concerns,” claimed Yzerman, as reported by Daily Faceoff. “We were third overall or something, and we’re like, ‘Let’s be realistic. I don’t think we’re as good as our record at the time, but we are winning games.’”

The GM then gave perhaps his most eye-opening answer on the day. Yzerman was asked if changes are needed to Detroit’s front office and where the team’s offseason focus will be. He initially claimed that “everything has to be assessed,” but then appeared to place blame on his players. “Most obviously, we need better players…It’s incumbent on me and my staff to improve this team,” replied Yzerman.

Steve Yzerman Eyes Specific Needs for the Detroit Red Wings

GettySteve Yzerman was known for his toughness on the ice during his playing days.

Yzerman continued by asserting that his Detroit Red Wings players need to be tougher to play against. The statistics tend to back up this assessment. Detroit managed to rack up just 1,480 total hits throughout the 2025-26 campaign. Only three teams in the league recorded fewer hits on the season. They also ranked 23rd among NHL teams in takeaways and 28th in penalty minutes.

One specific area where Yzerman wants to improve the Red Wings is through the middle of the ice. Detroit does have a very solid top center in Dylan Larkin, yet they lack depth in the position after the American star. Andrew Copp finished the 2025-26 campaign with just nine goals, and Marco Kasper only netted half as many points as he did the previous year.

Red Wings, Yzerman Need to Have a Successful Summer

One specific player the Red Wings could soon target is New York Rangers star Vincent Trocheck. The veteran center was previously linked with Detroit before the March 6 deadline. Although the star remained in the Big Apple, he is expected to be traded in the offseason. And the Red Wings are still considered a top landing spot for Trocheck this summer. Yzerman attempted to sign the center when he was a free agent in 2022.

Ultimately, it is the front office’s job to help put together a winning team. If a club continues to miss the playoffs, general managers tend to receive much of the blame. Several unsuccessful clubs, including the Toronto Maple Leafs and Vancouver Canucks, have fired their GMs in recent weeks. Yzerman likely has to turn things around quickly to help save his job.