Detroit Red Wings Preseason Reactions: The Yzer-Plan Is Here

The Detroit Red Wings preseason has given fans a lot to reconsider about Steve Yzerman's work in the front office. The Yzer-plan had some early booms, with Lucas Raymond and Moritz Seider bursting onto the scene with excellent rookie seasons. Seider (20) won the Calder Trophy with a 50-point season, alongside obvious strong work on the blue line. Raymond (19) surprised the team, making it out of camp, finishing fourth in Calder voting.

Following several questionable signings and trades with no playoff appearances, the term has lost some of its allure. However, the concept should have picked up steam last season, as Marco Kasper joined the team, finishing the season among the best rookies in the NHL (30 points (17G/13A in his final 42 games).

"Lucas Raymond (cropped)" by All-Pro Reels is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.

However, anyone who took the time to watch some of the Red Wings' preseason games got to see what everyone has been waiting for. Emmitt Finnie's strong preseason, playing with the top line, has drawn the most attention, but there are reasons to believe he won't be the only rookie breaking camp with the Red Wings this season. Michael Brandsegg-Nygård, Axel Sandin-Pellikka, and Nate Danielson (before his injury) are going to make roster decisions very difficult for this team. Sometimes, rookies make the team due to contractual necessity or a lack of roster talent (as was the case with Albert Johansson last season). While the Red Wings don't have the deepest NHL team, that fact is not why these young players could make the team.

Detroit Red Wings Preseason: Emmitt Finnie

Emmitt Finnie (20) has obviously shown the ability to keep up with NHL players. He has won puck battles, positioned himself correctly, and consistently impressed the coaching staff. He doesn't look overmatched, either. He has constantly been involved in the action. That is something that players like J.T. Compher and Jonatan Berggren (who has looked better in the preseason, too) have been frequently criticized for. Todd McLellan has emphasized that the Red Wings "Push the gas pedal." The team should reward the player who has taken up this philosophy most aggressively.

Detroit Red Wings Preseason: Michael Brandsegg-Nygård

Michael Brandsegg-Nygård (19) has also been impressive in the preseason, especially as of late. MBN may be known for his shot, something the Red Wings desperately need more of, but he's shown he's willing to mix it up, too. He has adopted the "no brakes" mentality that McLellan has been preaching. With the Red Wings' need for depth scoring, and James van Riemsdyk only recently joining the team, it's possible Detroit keeps him on to fill in that role. If not to start the season, don't be surprised to see him in October/November, similar to Kasper's quick ascension last season.

Detroit Red Wings Preseason: Axel Sandin-Pellikka

Axel Sandin-Pellikka (20) has been the most surprising quick riser this preseason. Finnie may have the 7th-round draft status, but ASP is a defenseman, a position notorious for its steep learning curve. However, after a slow start, he's really taken off. His performance on the power play is very notable, but he hasn't looked too overpowered on defense, either. The Red Wings lack depth at this position, which also works in his favor. While it's likely he starts in Grand Rapids, don't be surprised if he plays in Detroit at some point this season. McLellan doesn't appear to have the same philosophy as previous coaches, consistently giving opportunities to underperforming veterans. Look no further than Albert Johansson's increased workload after McLellan took over. Johannson finally got the opportunity, and slowly but surely, he proved the coaching staff right. ASP could follow a similar path. The most significant difference is that he has a much higher offensive upside.

Detroit Red Wings Preseason: Nate Danielson

When Nate Danielson got injured, McLellan had hinted that he had a good shot at making the team before his injury. The confidence in Danielson would explain the Red Wings giving a look at Andrew Copp on the top line with Dylan Larkin and Lucas Raymond. Danielson may have been considering centering a line with Elmer Söderblom, JVR, or Berggren, with the Red Wings repositioning the checking line to the fourth line (Compher, Michael Rasmussen, and Mason Appleton). Danielson could also follow a Kasper-like track and join the team later in the season, especially if Compher starts slow.

Detroit Red Wings Preseason: Verdict

Things are looking good in Hockeytown for the first time in a while. Even players like Carter Bear, who the Red Wings sent back to the WHL, looked great in the preseason. Bear, like many of these Yzer-plan prospects, plays aggressively with his foot on the gas. The vision is clear: 200-foot players with skill. Without a superstar, this approach is the best available. When these players arrive in Detroit, it will be fun to watch. They may not take the league by storm, but it will no longer be fun to play against the Red Wings.

Even if only one of these players starts the season in Detroit, no one should lose their excitement about the group. They appear to have the attitude that they'll keep pressing the gas until they force Detroit's hand. This pressure will either improve the play from the various veterans on the team, or the Red Wings will need to move on from them. Don't be surprised to see a last-second transaction before the season starts to make room for some of these young players.

(All stats provided by Hockey Reference)

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