Steve Yzerman talks expectations, personnel updates ahead of camp

DETROIT -- Steve Yzerman has developed a habit of paying attention to other sports. Though it's a different world from hockey, he feels he can learn from other organizations - how they build, their cultures, how they go about winning.
Sometimes, that means walking down Woodward Ave. to pick Tigers general manager Al Avila's brain. In addition to being owned by the Ilitch family, both teams are in the midst of a rebuild - the Tigers having taken steps in 2021 that the Red Wings would like to emulate once their own season starts.

Besides the Tigers, though, Yzerman also looks toward an organization whose rebuild is long since complete: Liverpool FC.
"Partly because I'm a big fan of the sport and of the team, Liverpool soccer club, what they've done over the last 10-15 years," Yzerman, the Red Wings' executive vice president and general manager, said. "And how they've built a culture, a style of play."
Ten years ago, Liverpool was at a low point in its recent history, having not won a championship in England's top flight since 1990 and struggling to break into the top-four in the standings - a key milestone for Premier League teams. But starting in 2015, with the hire of Jurgen Klopp as manager, the club pulled itself out from the morass, building into a steady top-four presence before winning the Premier League in 2020 to break their title drought.

Though the Red Wings' five-year playoff drought isn't quite in the same ballpark, it's easy to see why Yzerman would take inspiration from there. Speaking to media prior to training camp opening, he didn't want to give hard targets or expectations. The goal for now is to keep improving.
"I'm looking for improvement in all areas," Yzerman said. "Statistically, we were near the bottom (last season). Statistically, in all areas of the game, really from our (penalty kill) late, new faces, young prospects graduating to the NHL. Can they impact that? I hope so."
The Red Wings open camp with youth as a prime asset. Defenseman Moritz Seider, center Michael Rasmussen and wingers Filip Zadina and Givani Smith are expected to take the next steps in their NHL careers while forwards Lucas Raymond, Jonatan Berggren and Joe Veleno could challenge for roster spots.
"I want Filip Zadina, Jakub Vrana, Michael Rasmussen, any of these you mention, Lucas Raymond and Moritz Seider, we'll add them, to play a bigger role," Yzerman said. "And does that translate to bigger wins this year? I hope it does but it also may not. But we're seeing young players come into the team that are hopefully gonna be here for the next 5, 10, 15 years."

Raymond and Berggren come in with a chance to make roster

Following impressive performances in the NHL Prospect Tournament for both, it's clear that the two young Swedish wingers are coming into training camp with a shot to make the Opening Night roster, should they continue to impress.
That, however, will still be an uphill climb. Both are in their first year playing in North America, coming from the Swedish Hockey League and a larger European ice sheet. And the priority will be making sure both are in a position to get time on ice, whether it be in Detroit or Grand Rapids.
"Obviously they're good skaters but can play (at) an NHL level," Yzerman said. "The pace of the NHL game, adjust to the smaller ice surface. And every day that they're here benefits and comes down to them and all of our guys."

Injury updates

Though the Red Wings head into camp with a few lingering injuries, Yzerman sounded optimistic that those wouldn't be major hindrances.
Raymond and Berggren picked up mild upper and lower body injuries, respectively, in the prospect tournament. Yzerman said that Berggren is day to day and unlikely to skate Thursday, while Raymond will likely take the ice, though he may only do part of his workout as a precautionary measure.
Dylan Larkin and Tyler Bertuzzi, who both suffered injuries during last season, are progressing as expected. They've both been a part of offseason workouts, and Yzerman said they're clear for "controlled contact" at the start of camp.
"If (Larkin) responds well to that, which we expect, then the green light is to take the next step where it's no limitations in any of the drills or no hesitation in any of the drills in practice," Yzerman said. "We'll see how he does the first few days."
As for Jared McIsaac, Yzerman said the defenseman is feeling better after being stretchered off the ice during Sunday's prospect tournament game. Though there's no timeframe on his return as of yet, McIsaac is in concussion protocol.

Vast majority of Red Wings roster vaccinated

All but one Red Wings player is vaccinated for COVID-19 heading into training camp, Yzerman said.
That player, Tyler Bertuzzi, will be subject to the league's protocols for non-vaccinated individuals, which reportedly include restrictions on movement when the team is on the road and more social distancing than those that have received the vaccine. With current restrictions on entry into Canada, Bertuzzi will also not be allowed into the country when the Red Wings play there.
"Tyler has his reasons and I'm sure you'll get a chance to ask him that question, but I respect the fact that he has a choice and has made that choice," Yzerman said. "We're gonna work within the league's protocols."

Kirill Tyutyayev leaves impression

Coming into the prospect tournament, winger Kirill Tyutyayev was largely an unknown commodity. A seventh-round pick in 2019, Tyutyayev played last season in Belarus, flying under the radar until last Thursday, when he scored a pair of goals against the Dallas Stars in a 5-4 Red Wings win.
Now, he's gotten everyone's attention.
"He excelled," Yzerman said. "He did very well out there. I would add to - you mentioned the competitiveness and the skill - I would add to it, his hockey sense was very noticeable. He knows how to play the game, he knows where to go. He knows what to do with the puck, when to move it, when to hang onto it. So we're really pleased.
"Can he develop into an NHLer? Time will tell but he certainly has some of what I consider very important attributes or skills to be a good hockey player."