Edited Oct. 12, 2023 at 11:42 a.m.
This is the classic misinformed weak take on the current state of the Wings and their roster. It's really quite simple and what Yzerman is doing is not difficult to understand.
The current core is Larkin, Raymond, Seider, Cat and Ras, with Walman possibly sprinkled in there. Waiting in the wings (pun intended) is a very young core of Edvinsson, Wallinder, Kasper, Danielson, Berg, Soder, Pelikka, Johansson, Mazur and whoever we draft in the next 2-3 years. That's 13 players that are slated and expected to be in Wings jerseys in the coming 2-4 years.
Those contracts that Steve signed will have expired or be immaterial when the kids are ready to join the rest of the core.
Chiarot is expiring, Holl is NOT a pylon and will be expiring. Copp and Compher are quality NHLers and will also be expiring or be on very friendly deals compared to % of cap, which will continue to go up. Petry is making pennies and still a quality player. Ghost was a great signing. What's the issue?
Nobody is expecting this team to make the playoffs or be truly contending at the moment, but they will sure as hell be the most competitive team we have seen in about 12 years.
Yzerman was left with absolutely nothing when he came in. This doesn't happen overnight.