May 11, 2025; Sunrise, Florida, USA; Florida Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad (5) passes the puck against the Toronto Maple Leafs during the second period in game four of the second round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Amerant Bank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
As the Detroit Red Wings enter another pivotal offseason under Executive Vice President and General Manager Steve Yzerman, the focus remains on fortifying the blue line. With the team on the brink of returning to playoff contention, each personnel move carries weight, and missteps could stall progress. During a recent media availability following scouting meetings and preliminary free agency evaluations, Yzerman didn’t mince words when asked about potential defensive targets. Rather than simply talking up his preferred acquisitions, the Hall of Famer made headlines by identifying four defensemen the Red Wings should not pursue—each for specific and strategic reasons.
Yzerman’s candor surprised some in the room, but it served a purpose: to signal that Detroit’s rebuild is entering a more refined phase. Gone are the days of taking fliers on aging veterans or overpaying for name recognition. Yzerman emphasized the need for fit, upside, and long-term value, and used these four players as examples of what not to do.
1. Tony DeAngelo – High Risk, Low Reward
Despite possessing strong offensive instincts and a solid point shot from the blue line, Tony DeAngelo has become a cautionary tale in locker room dynamics and defensive reliability. Yzerman acknowledged DeAngelo’s skills on the power play but made it clear that his off-ice baggage and defensive lapses outweigh any upside.
“Tony’s game is what it is—he can move the puck, he can help your PP, but he’s been on five teams in five years for a reason,” Yzerman stated. “We’ve built a young, accountable culture here. We’re not going to disrupt that for marginal upside.”
Detroit, already developing puck-moving defensemen like Simon Edvinsson and Moritz Seider, has no need for a defensive liability with polarizing presence in the room.
2. Tyson Barrie – Redundant Skillset, Declining Returns
Once a coveted offensive defenseman, Tyson Barrie’s market value has declined as his defensive game has failed to evolve with age. While still capable of contributing in sheltered offensive minutes, Yzerman was frank about Barrie being an ill fit for Detroit’s needs.
“We’ve got guys who can move the puck. What we need is more stability, not redundancy,” Yzerman said. “Tyson’s a good pro, but I don’t
