Detroit Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman confirmed the team had a strong interest in acquiring Mitch Marner from the Toronto Maple Leafs before Toronto traded the star forward to the Vegas Golden Knights. The trade occurred on Monday, shortly after Marner signed an eight-year contract extension with Toronto, preventing Detroit from entering negotiations.
Yzerman Addresses Red Wings’ Efforts to Acquire Mitch Marner
Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Steve Yzerman acknowledged that Detroit was eager to pursue Marner but never had the chance to engage in talks due to the timing of deals across the league.
“We were certainly open to it,” Yzerman said (1:45). “The guys that we were hoping to talk to all signed before free agency with their clubs or got traded. In the case of Mitch Marner, we didn’t even get an opportunity to talk to these guys. There’s not much you can do about that.”
—Steve Yzerman, General Manager
“Going into free agency, we all recognized that it was going to be difficult all around the league. It was just a season where there weren’t as many, what we would all consider high-end free agents available.”
—Steve Yzerman, General Manager
Yzerman was reticent when asked about other top-tier free agents Detroit pursued during the offseason, citing respect for players‘ decisions and their existing commitments. According to him, many players had already chosen their destinations, which limited Detroit’s opportunities.
Red Wings Strengthen Forward Line with James van Riemsdyk Signing
In addition to aiming for high-profile players like Marner, Detroit added experienced forward James van Riemsdyk on a one-year contract worth $1 million. Van Riemsdyk scored 16 goals last season in 71 games with the Columbus Blue Jackets, bringing versatility to Detroit’s lineup.
Steve Yzerman highlighted van Riemsdyk’s adaptability and scoring ability as key assets for the team.
“‘JVR’ is a bigger body who scored 19 goals last year and 18 or 19 in each of the last couple seasons. He gives us a lot of flexibility up and down the lineup.”
—Steve Yzerman, General Manager
“If you check his usage in Columbus, that’s exactly what they did, he played up on the first line at times and moved up and down. He’s also a useful guy on the power play.”
—Steve Yzerman, General Manager
Yzerman emphasized that van Riemsdyk’s experience will add valuable depth and help strengthen Detroit’s forward group as the team prepares for the upcoming season.
The Impact of Marner’s Trade on Detroit’s Offseason Plans
The trade sending Mitch Marner to the Golden Knights altered the dynamics of Detroit’s offseason strategy. With Marner committed elsewhere, the Red Wings faced challenges in securing elite free agents amid a market with fewer top-tier players available.
Yzerman’s comments underscore how player movements and contract timing can significantly shape a team’s roster-building efforts. As the Red Wings integrate new pieces like van Riemsdyk, their focus remains on assembling a competitive lineup capable of advancing in the NHL standings.