Since returning to the Detroit Red Wings as general manager in April 2019, Steve Yzerman has been strategically rebuilding the team through trades, free-agent signings, and draft picks. Here's a look at some of his most impactful trades:
Acquiring Robby Fabbri from St. Louis
In November 2019, Yzerman traded Jacob De La Rose to the St. Louis Blues for forward Robby Fabbri. Fabbri, who had only one point in nine games with the Blues, revitalized his career in Detroit, scoring 31 points in 52 games to finish the 2019-20 season. Although injuries have occasionally sidelined him, Fabbri has been a consistent scorer for the Red Wings, tallying 48 goals and 47 assists in 166 games. In contrast, De La Rose struggled in St. Louis, recording just five points in 34 games before fading from the NHL. Identifying Fabbri as a player who simply needed a change of scenery to realize his potential is definitely a feather in Yzerman’s cap.
Trading Anthony Mantha to Washington
In April 2021, Yzerman traded Anthony Mantha to the Washington Capitals in exchange for forwards Richard Panik and Jakub Vrana, as well as two valuable draft picks. Mantha, who had shown promise early in his Red Wings career but struggled with consistency and injuries, failed to live up to expectations in both Detroit and Washington and was eventually traded to the Vegas Golden Knights. Vrana initially played well in Detroit but was later traded to St. Louis due to injuries and other issues. The most significant part of this trade was the acquisition of two draft picks. Yzerman used these picks to select goaltending prospect Sebastian Cossa and rising star Dmitri Buchelnikov. Cossa is now considered the Red Wings' future in net, while Buchelnikov is viewed as one of their top prospects.
Acquiring Jake Walman from St. Louis
In March 2022, Yzerman sent Nick Leddy and Luke Witkowski to the St. Louis Blues in exchange for Oskar Sundqvist, Jake Walman, and a 2023 second-round pick. Walman emerged as a top-pair defenseman alongside Moritz Seider and earned a contract extension. Before being traded to the San Jose Sharks in June 2024, Walman was considered an underrated defenseman. Sundqvist also made a contribution before being traded to the Minnesota Wild. The second-round pick from this trade was used to select defenseman Andrew Gibson, a promising prospect. Acquiring Walman for Leddy, who did not live up to expectations in Detroit, is another example of Yzerman’s shrewd management.
Acquiring Alex DeBrincat from Ottawa Senators
On July 9th, 2023, the Red Wings traded Dominik Kubalik, Donovan Sebrango, a 2024 conditional 1st round pick, and a 2024 4th round pick to Ottawa Senators For Alex DeBrincat. DeBrincat has been one of Detroit's top offensive players with a team-leading 66 goals along with 71 assists for the third-most points on the team at 137 over the last two seasons.
Acquiring John Gibson from Anaheim Ducks
On July 1st, 2025, the Red Wings acquired John Gibson from the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for Petr Mrazek, a 2027 2nd Round Pick and a 2026 4th Round Pick. Detroit has experienced a goalie crisis since the days of Chris Osgood, so the implications of this deal are massive.
Yzerman's moves in the trade market have significantly aided Detroit's rebuilding process, with several trades already showing positive results. His ability to identify valuable players, capitalize on opportunities, and make strategic decisions has positioned the Red Wings for a promising future.
