The NHL Is Taking Risks. Why Won’t The Red Wings?

The Red Wings Rant free agency episode is getting a second chance after our internet destroyed the first recording — and somehow, the NHL gave us an even better conversation.

Free agency opened. The Red Wings didn’t meaningfully change their trajectory. Dylan Larkin still wants out. Steve Yzerman says he’ll do what’s in the best interest of the Detroit Red Wings.

But what does “best interest” actually mean?

Is it what helps the team today?

Is it what protects the front office from criticism?

Or is it what gives the franchise the highest upside three, four or five years from now?

Friedman Reporting the following:

Carolina is looking at Offer Sheet on Edvinsson

Larkin value increased. Yzerman looking for replacement.

Yzerman won’t extend DeBrincat.

Kane not coming back.

Yzerman does not want to pay young talent.

This week, we revisit the Yzerman/Larkin conversation, the Cossa and Lombardi trades, the lack of clear organizational direction, and the growing frustration around a team that keeps talking about patience while missing the playoffs every year.

Then we get into the real chaos: offer sheets.

Leo Carlsson signed a massive offer sheet with the Philadelphia Flyers. Pavel Mintyukov quickly signed in Anaheim. The Ducks got attacked through the restricted free agent market, and suddenly the NHL feels like it has entered a new era.

So why does it feel impossible to imagine the Detroit Red Wings doing something like that?

Is Steve Yzerman too loyal to relationships around the league?

Are the Red Wings more interested in looking smart than taking real swings?

And at what point does “responsible management” become another excuse for losing?

Topics include:

• Steve Yzerman’s comments on Dylan Larkin

• Why keeping Larkin may not be the strong move fans think it is

• The Cossa and Lombardi trades

• Detroit’s risk-averse roster building

• NHL free agency fallout

• Leo Carlsson’s offer sheet

• Pavel Mintyukov’s extension

• Why RFAs may be the new trade market

• Whether the Red Wings would ever take that kind of swing

• The growing frustration with the Yzerplan

The NHL is changing. Teams are getting aggressive.

Are the Red Wings willing to change with it?

#LGRW

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