Steve Yzerman hints at parting ways with Vladimir Tarasenko and Erik Gustafsson in major roster shakeup

Something’s finally cracking in Hockeytown. After nearly a decade without a playoff appearance, the Detroit Red Wings might be done with holding onto names and nostalgia. With GM Steve Yzerman reportedly ready to move on from veterans Vladimir Tarasenko and Erik Gustafsson, the team looks poised to break the cycle of “almost.” It’s not just about clearing cap space, it’s about clearing a path. If this offseason delivers on the rumors, Detroit may finally be trading in the past for a shot at a future.

For years, the Red Wings’ rebuild has felt stuck in limbo. Big names like Tarasenko were brought in as hopeful band-aids, guys with experience and star power but not necessarily long-term upside. But now, with reports from Detroit Hockey Now hinting at possible buyouts of Tarasenko and Gustafsson, Yzerman’s strategy may be shifting for good. No more half-measures, Detroit could finally be ready to prioritize youth, chemistry, and energy over aging firepower.


Tarasenko didn’t exactly live up to the hype in Detroit. Eleven goals and 33 points across 80 games is far from what fans hoped for from a Stanley Cup champ. Even Yzerman admitted the numbers were disappointing, though he believed Tarasenko’s overall play was “better than his production.” Still, freeing up his contract along with Gustafsson’s would give Detroit more than $20 million to reshape the roster. That’s not just money, that’s a clean slate.
While Gustafsson brought steady defense and mobility, his name in the buyout mix shows that even reliable veterans aren’t safe if they don’t fit the future vision. Yzerman himself said they “missed him” when he was out but that might not be enough to justify a spot when younger, faster players are waiting. For Detroit, it may be time to stop plugging holes and start building a new core around emerging talent.
Kane’s still got it but he’s not the franchise player he once was. With Detroit reportedly eyeing big-name reinforcements and Kane’s own future uncertain, it’s clear the Red Wings see him more as a veteran leader than a long-term solution. The rumors of targeting a Maple Leafs star suggest Yzerman is ready to build around younger, prime-year talent, not just aging stars with rings.

If Detroit moves on from Tarasenko and Gustafsson, it’s not just about better stats next season. It’s a philosophical shift, proof that Yzerman’s patience has limits and his focus is firmly on the next generation. After years of dancing on the edge of contention, the Red Wings might finally be making moves that mean something.
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