The Detroit Red Wings` only move at the trade deadline was sending forward Joe Veleno to the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for goalie Petr Mrazek and forward Craig Smith.
Following a ninth consecutive season without reaching the playoffs, a franchise record, team captain Dylan Larkin voiced his opinion that this single transaction was insufficient.
“We didn`t build any positive momentum from the trade deadline, and the team felt a bit discouraged by it. It would have been beneficial to add something to inject some energy and improve team morale,” Larkin stated during his end-of-season media availability on Saturday.
Steve Yzerman, a celebrated figure in the franchise`s history, returned as general manager in 2019 after contributing to the Stanley Cup-winning Tampa Bay Lightning. However, he has yet to replicate that level of success in Detroit.
After missing the playoffs by a tiebreaker the previous year, Detroit`s performance this season placed them sixth in the Atlantic Division, with a record of 39-35-8 and 86 points.
They were overtaken by teams such as the Ottawa Senators and Montreal Canadiens, both of whom qualified for the playoffs after undergoing similar rebuilding phases as Detroit.
While Montreal remained inactive at the deadline, Ottawa made significant acquisitions, bringing in forwards Dylan Cozens and Fabian Zetterlund.
“You need to secure wins, and I believe it was particularly tough in March when we didn`t make any moves,” Larkin commented.
The Red Wings concluded the season ranked 20th overall, which means they won`t be in contention for the first overall draft pick but have a 5.1 percent chance of securing the second pick.
Tristan Blackwood