Steve Yzerman’s final days as general manager of the Detroit Red Wings nearly brought his tenure full circle.
Before stepping down as GM and moving into a senior advisory role, Yzerman reportedly made one final push to improve Detroit’s scoring by offering a contract to a familiar former Red Wings forward, but the deal ultimately fell through.
Yzerman Tried to Bring Back Anthony Mantha
Yzerman was reportedly interested in reacquiring Anthony Mantha, the same player he traded to the Washington Capitals at the 2021 trade deadline.
Detroit was in desperate need of more top-six scoring after Dylan Larkin requested a trade and Patrick Kane decided not to re-sign with the team. As free agency opened, Yzerman reportedly made a serious effort to bring Mantha back to Detroit.
NHL insider Ansar Khan reported that the Red Wings offered the 31-year-old winger a one-year, $5 million contract.
Mantha was coming off the best season of his career with the Pittsburgh Penguins. He scored a career-high 33 goals and recorded 64 points in 81 games, making him one of the more attractive forwards available on the market.
According to Khan, Mantha was close to accepting Detroit’s offer. However, Yzerman stepped down as general manager just two days later.
Mantha was reportedly looking for more long-term security for his young family. He ultimately signed a two-year, $9.5 million contract with the New Jersey Devils, worth $4.75 million annually.
For Detroit, the missed opportunity was another blow to an offseason that has quickly become complicated.
Yzerman stepping down has not changed the situation involving Detroit captain Dylan Larkin.
Reports indicate that Larkin still wants to be traded after years of frustration surrounding the Red Wings’ struggles. Detroit has missed the playoffs for a decade, and after winning Olympic gold with Team USA, Larkin is believed to be eager to compete for the Stanley Cup.
His full no-movement clause also gives him significant control over any potential trade.
The Red Wings are still looking for a new GM, so Larkin’s trade situation could continue into training camp or even the regular season.
Detroit’s offensive problems were made even worse when Patrick Kane decided not to return.
Kane signed a two-year, $16 million contract to return to the Chicago Blackhawks, the franchise where he won three Stanley Cups.
His departure robs Detroit of an important offensive weapon and further increases the pressure on the organization to find scoring help.
The Red Wings now face a difficult situation heading into the upcoming season. They have lost Kane, missed out on Mantha, and are dealing with a trade request from their captain.
Whoever takes over as Detroit’s next general manager will have a major challenge on their hands.
Rebuilding the Red Wings’ top-six offense may have to be one of their top priorities.
