For the ninth consecutive year, the Detroit Red Wings missed the NHL playoffs — and change is expected. GM Steve Yzerman is likely to pursue impact players in the offseason.
Bultman believes Detroit needs to make a big move to snap their postseason drought. One name to watch: Vancouver Canucks winger Brock Boeser, who is entering free agency.
“The Red Wings can’t afford to run it back again,” Bultman wrote. “Whether it’s Boeser, Mitch Marner, Sam Bennett, Brad Marchand, or another high-impact forward, Detroit needs a real jolt.”
Boeser Likely Done in Vancouver
Boeser, a two-time All-Star, is coming off a 50-point season (25G, 25A) with Vancouver. He's in the final year of a 3-year, $19.95M deal and is expected to seek a long-term contract elsewhere.
“Honestly, it’s unlikely at this point,” Boeser told Sportsnet when asked about re-signing with the Canucks. “It sucks. It’s been a tough year.”
Injuries and inconsistency hurt Vancouver’s season, leading to another playoff miss — and a potential breakup with Boeser.
Coaching Change Sparks Optimism
After firing Derek Lalonde mid-season, the Red Wings brought in veteran coach Todd McLellan, and the team responded with stronger play down the stretch.
Captain Dylan Larkin
praised McLellan’s leadership and expects big improvements in 2025:
“Todd is really detailed. He knows what it takes to win in this league,” Larkin said. “A full season with him will help us take the next step.”
Detroit finished the year
39-35-8 and now enters a crucial offseason where bold moves could finally end their playoff drought.
