I really like this view. It is a long view and much of it, like having a good AHL program for players to learn and grow in, is still not even there, but I agree it is a good organizational approach and also think it is fundamentally what he is doing.

Kyle I think its still too early to say that. They?are both 21 yrs old.

Yzerman did say that stuff about building through the draft but that’s not reality. Good players can be had in trades and as free agents. Sometimes there is ceiling left too.

When team building, an acquired NHL player is worth much more than the average draft choice who is 2nd round or lower. An NHL player has MADE IT!. Not many second and below draft choices ever make it and there is a huge talent drop between the two.

So building through the draft exclusively is in fact a DUMB idea and probably just subterfuge for writers, fans and losing teams to dwell on.

It takes a mix of home grown and acquired talent. Young and not so young AND nobody goes ANYWHERE withought goaltending and Yzerman has done a fine job stocking the shelves for the next few years with goal-tenders.

Speaking of stocking the shelves…both GR and Toledo are being stuffed with prospects who will play there until they can legitimately bump-off a very good NHL player. And when one is brought up he’s more-ready having experienced a good bit of AHL play and perhaps won a playoff series or two.

Yzerman says he considers that to be invaluable experience for prospects. That was not the way of the Red Wings before Yzerman. That’s why were still waiting for Veleno for example. He was rushed. All 1st rounders were rushed.

The bottom line is this method is meant to help keep a good playoff-quality Red Wings team supplied with replacement players when contracts get too big to carry, trades are made or players are lost to free agency. The Wings theoretically will use GR’s players to fill voids or as trade bait for NHL players to resupply the needed talent.

Toledo will be a place for the Krill Tyutyayev types. Solid prospects needing more time, or long shot draftees who will hopefully develop to fill GRs vacancies.

That’s how I see Yzerman’s plan working and I’m absolutely fine with it. Its a very sensible plan under the cap system. It will become the model for all teams eventually. In the meantime the Wings and Yzerman might get another mini-dynasty or two out of the advantage.

I think Bob is jumping the guy a bit. They are not disappointing yet, they are getting to the age where they are starting to contend for possible NHL jobs? How many are even at Grand Rapids yet? Sorry I m not writing off guys who are 21-22 years old. Wait too soon.

There are 31 other teams to follow. Enjoy

Albert Johansson is going to get some games, Mazur is eventually going to get some games, along with Kasper. But it is really up to them to facilitate which direction their development curve goes. Let’s take a breath, and just be glad that we have a prospect pool that has as many potential players that it does. We could be like BOS, VGK or PIT. They will be where DET is in a few years as a result.

Let’s let the people who are the experts do their jobs.

There’s literally 6 more first round picks, 3 that are top 9, who haven’t made it yet but are looking highly likely to do so. Other than them guys like Wallinder/Johansen/Mazur/Soderblom/Augustine are all likely to become NHL players. There’s likely another 5 or so that make it. Yzerman isnt rushing it.