What if YOU were Steve Yzerman? 🐙
In this episode, Zack and Carlo step into the GM chair and take full control of the Detroit Red Wings using PuckPedia’s GM Mode, building their ideal Opening Night roster for the 2025-26 NHL season.
From free agent signings to buyouts, blockbuster trades, and tough RFA decisions, we explore every possible move to get the Wings back into serious contention. No move is off the table—and some of our decisions might surprise you 👀
Are we going all-in with a big UFA splash? Or is the smarter move building from within and weaponizing cap space? Get ready for a fun, deep-dive episode that mixes creativity with cap-compliant realism.
🔥 Topics Covered:
✅ UFA targets the Wings should go after this offseason
✅ RFA decisions and potential bridge/big-money deals
✅ Players who could be bought out to free up roster space
✅ Trade candidates that could shake up the roster
✅ Building the Red Wings’ 2025-26 Opening Night Lineup
✅ & Much More!
📢 What do you think? Did we build the next playoff team—or go off the rails? Drop your roster predictions and offseason wishlist in the comments! Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell so you never miss an episode of Hockeytown Rundown! 🚨
📺 WATCH NOW!
🎧 Also available on Spotify & Apple Podcasts
ICYMI – Don’t miss our latest episode:
🔗 Watch Here: https://youtu.be/ZLhZjKQv8HU?si=JLR3hq0RkimqV7ec
🔥 Shop Our Red Wings-Inspired Merch
🛒 Check It Out: https://j2sport.com/collections/hocke…
📲 Follow Us for More NHL Content
🔗 All Links Here: https://linktr.ee/hockeytown_rundown
💥 Join This Channel to Get Access to Perks:
🔗 Become a Member: / @hockeytownrundown
Join this channel to get access to perks:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJRcb5ZjvMMQOPEbmi_8khw/join
#lgrw #RedWings #nhlplayoffs #stanleycupplayoffs #stanleycup #wildcard #DetroitRedWings #Hockeytown #NHL #Hockey #HockeyLife #IceHockey #HockeyFans #RedWingsNation #DetroitSports #RedWingsHockey #LetsGoWings #DetroitVSEverybody #GoWings #yzerplan #yzerman #steveyzerman #NHLTradeDeadline #TradeDeadline #NHLRumors #NHLTrades #NHLDeadline #NHLTradeTalk #TradeRumors #HockeyRumors #NHLDiscussion #HockeyNews #NHLUpdates #RoadToTheCup #QuestForTheCup #NHLBracket #PlayoffPush #NHLWildcard #WinOrGoHome #Game7Mindset #ChasingTheCup #PlayoffHockey #ClutchHockey #StanleyCupFinals #NHLPlayoffHunt #BigGameMoments #HockeySeason #CupContenders #PlayoffMomentum #WildCardRace #MustWin #NHLHighlights #HockeyPodcast #HockeyTalk #SportsTalk #NHLNews #HockeyAnalysis #NHLTonight #HockeyContent #SportsViral #HockeyCulture #GameDay #HockeyCommunity #BigPlays #NHLHighlights #HockeyPodcast #StanleyCupPlayoffs #NHLNews #HockeyTalk #HockeyLife #SportsTalk #nhlrumours #HockeyAnalysis #HockeyContent #RedWingsNation #DetroitSports #GoWings #ufa #rfa #freeagency
24 Comments
No on Karlsson. No way you should be asking Edvinsson to carry that bum.
No on Demko. Way too injured and if yoo do
Then you should be trading Mrazek not Talbot
Blues are not taking 5mil hit on Tarasenko They don't have a cap space. Ship him to Washington to play with Ovi. Retain 2mil and get a 2nd or 3rd back
Big fat NO on Karlsson.
I don’t want a 6-7 year overpay in free agency. I’d rather they trade for a complimentary winger with a couple years. Then go after a decent D-man.
I think trading for byram, signing him to 6 years and penciling him in with seider would put Edvinsson in the predicament byram was in. I don’t think he’s okay being passed up and locked into the second line.
What if he just reups holl compher and copp instead?
Wonder who he will dump trying to get trouba
Yzerman just signed Jonathan Toews 4 years @ 5.8 mill 😔
I would love Demko honestly
This would be a playoff team for sure. Not sure what the hate around karlsson is. He provides scoring on the back end which we didnt have all of 24-25. adding byram along with seider and ed would cover his defense issues. The only thing is you gotta try and get the pens to retain cap if you can.
BUF is looking for veteran experience, which is why I think they could be interested in Compher. Plus, they know Byram want out, so I don't think they have a ton of flexibility with the trade. I signed him short term to allow some cap flexibility for signing a forward as well. I also think Byram would most likely prefer a short term deal and it wouldn't hamstring you if Byram's injury history rears back up.
Jonathan Toews as 4C would be ideal, his defensive style of play fits the role, he would be an excellent mentor to young guys, especially Kasper and potentially Danielson. He would also provide leadership this team desperately needs, I know he's old but look at Corey Perry, he's 40 on the top lines in Edmonton producing. I don't think Toews would be as good as him or play that high in the lineup but it gives me optimism he could still play at his age.
Marchand>>>>>>Bennett
If we have Kane to mentor the young guys, why do we need to bring in another old player to mentor them?
Demko wouldn’t be a bad option at that price. Especially if you can keep both Cossa and Trey
I didn't hear anyone mentioned Taes. If we keep Kane then this is a must do. I am good with it no matter what. He is great at face offs . He should still be great ar penaltu killing and protecting leads, etc. He may even get back to form and surprize like Kane. He should be great at power play. He is a great leader and can teach Larkin and Kasper. He should not cost that much and probably like playing with Kane and Cat.
My number one goalie choice would be Stolarz. If there is any way to pry him from Toronto , do it !!! Not sure about Ottenger. Demko I like but I don't know what his injury is…or his long term GA & Save%. Stolarz was avail when we signed Talbot, I like him alot. Our goalies played behind the worst defense I've ever seen in 52 years of watching the NHL. Talbot is very good but needs a good consistent 1b back up. Talbot and demko are v good tandom and resign other goalie and trade Mrazek . (OR keep Petrr and let other goalie go. Then MRAZEK/Other to G.R. Must get #1 or 2nd pair dman . NOT Karlson.
If you are going to over pay in free agency, make sure to do it for 90-100 point players that actually help. No more veterans with local ties and please, for the love of all, no more low tier players getting mid tier contracts. Move the needle. Wasting Mo and Raymond’s young years is not a wise move.
I say signing JJ and Byram giving up a first round pick and Tarasenko and a third brown pick would be nice if it would work. Also I think Demco, regardless of injuries is better than Petr Mrazek and Cam Talbot Bennett would be nice but I think he stays in Florida if Marchand leaves but Mich is to much for us I'd be surprised if he decided to choose Detroit, even though it would be amazing. The cost would be too much I think for us to give up in return and make Danielson For center on the fourth line
You know who else has copp and compher's name all over them? Sam Bennett. The guy at the Middle six center. You don't pay middle six centers like top of the lineup players
I’m still holding out hope that gavrikov is available in free agency. I would sign him over Karlsson in a heartbeat. I understand part of the Karlsson deal was freeing up cap by dumping Holl and Ras but maybe there’s another deal out there that could be made to beef up the third line forwards.
This all being in the event the kings don’t pony up for gavrikov like they should. I also like the idea of giving ASP a genuine shot in a D pairing next season.
Liked the video a lot though! New subscriber and this is my first off season actually deep diving into the off season/ front office workings of hockey. Super interesting stuff!
Too many geriatrics
He has been cooking for almost 7 years he is burning 🔥 sht up that’s why he had to go after old free agents.
He needs to trade for some sand paper and draft Brady Martin at 13.
I’m hoping for Taves to join the wings with Kane
Don’t need all of this overpriced crap. Tried that already – still paying!
Fabbro – RD; Danato- C; Frederic – 4th line grinder. Add in your prospects. Add in Pellikka and Nygard later. Get rid of Copp, Compher, Holl and Tarasenko – SY has $20MM to go afte4 a big fish!