NOTEBOOK: Yzerman shifts focus to free agency after 2023 NHL Entry Draft

NASHVILLE -- While Executive Vice President and General Manager Steve Yzerman was pleased that the Detroit Red Wings continued to build the organization's depth at the 2023 NHL Entry Draft, he is hoping to add immediate help to the roster via free agency.

The first day of 2023 NHL free agency begins at 12 p.m. ET on Saturday. For Yzerman, it represents an opportunity to fill holes in Detroit's lineup.

"Obviously, we don't have a goaltender signed," Yzerman said on Thursday. "I'd like to do that. We need to do that. Look into the right-shot defensemen as well. And then just whatever mix up front. We have some roster spots open."

And because of the league's flat salary cap in the 2023-24 campaign, clubs are opting to explore - and some have executed -- trades to improve their rosters rather than relying on the open market.

Yzerman pointed out that every team "has different reasons for where they are and for doing what they're doing."

"Ultimately, I think people are looking at the free-agency market and it's kind of thin this year," Yzerman said. "So if they wanna improve their team, they're looking at the trade market. You get some certainty if you make a trade as opposed to going in there [on Saturday], and we have no idea who or what you're getting and what it's gonna cost you."

Yzerman said he has spoken to some of Detroit's pending unrestricted free agents, noting that something still could be worked out with one or more of them before Saturday afternoon.

For now, all Yzerman knows is that anything can happen when the market opens.

"We'll make a lot of calls," Yzerman said. "We'll see where we end up. Everybody has the same thing. There's probably more needs than there are players at this point."

Red Wings announce 2023 Development Camp schedule

On Thursday, the Red Wings announced the schedule for 2023 Development Camp, which will take place at Little Caesars Arena's BELFOR Training Center from July 1-5.

"Really for us to get to know them a bit further," Yzerman said about the purpose of camp. "Make sure they're set up for their offseason, where they're gonna train, spend a little time with them and talk about some of the areas - whether it's on-ice or off-ice - to focus on."

The camp will feature on-ice skill development and off-ice workouts each day, ending with a three-on-three tournament on Wednesday, July 5.

For more information about Development Camp and how to stream the three-on-three tournament, click Video: Steve Yzerman | Media Availability | 06/29/23.

Joseph Olmstead, representing Red Wings, wins NHL23 World Championship

Earlier this week, Joseph Olmstead made history while representing the Red Wings at the EA Sports NHL23 World Championship in Nashville.

Olmstead, a Troy, Mich., native, won his first NHL23WC title on Monday, officially becoming the best NHL23 player in the world. At 19 years old, Olmstead was the youngest competitor in the finalists' field and needed two games in the best-of-three semifinal and final series to take the crown.

With the win, Olmstead - known by the gamer tag 'Jos x 10' - received a $28,000 grand prize.

Aside from his virtual hockey skills, Olmstead currently plays for the Detroit-based HoneyBaked AAA Hockey Club at the 18U level.