Oct 23, 2019; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Ottawa Senators goalie Anders Nilsson (31) makes a save on a shot from Detroit Red Wings right wing Evgeny Svechnikov (37) in the third period at the Canadian Tire Centre. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports
The latest news about Evgeny Svechnikov may be what many Detroit Red Wings fans have been debating for some time: Is he on his way out of Detroit? According to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, the Red Wings have made Svechnikov available for trade, which clears up the reasoning for his second stint on the wavier wire. Though he went unclaimed, and then was in the lineup during last night’s 3-2 loss to Nashville a media heavyweight like Friedman making a claim in his weekly 31 Thoughts column carries an awful lot of power.
Octopus Thrower’s Alex Faber wrote earlier that of all potential restricted free agents Steve Yzerman has this offseason, Svechnikov is one of the likeliest candidates to be dealt before negotiations can begin. In spite of how his numbers have been with Detroit this season (three goals and five points in ten games), it wasn’t enough to spare him from waivers again. He got a
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chance on the top line last night, but ended up just logging 10:32. The writing seems to be clearly on the wall. Even the Detroit Free Press’ Helene St. James recently wrote that his stock was falling with the team and his demotion was clear evidence.
What will the Red Wings do with Svech?
Not only does a trade seem more likely (perhaps as a throw in), but if that doesn’t happen, maybe he’s not even tendered an offer come this offseason. Barring an Adam Erne like renaissance by Svechnikov as the season winds down, we may be seeing another first round pick of the Red Wings playing his final games either with the big club or Grand Rapids.
If there’s anything that should stand out, it’s just how many first round choices Yzerman might be moving on from. 2013 first round pick Anthony Mantha has been the subject of trade rumors. 2016 first round pick Dennis Cholowski is another Ken Holland selection struggling to see ice time in Detroit. And then there’s Svech. Three first round picks who the current management don’t seem to be very sure of. If there’s ever an indictment of how much work was in front of Yzerman, look no further than this.
Regardless of whatever happens, it’s becoming more clear that Yzerman will create this team with his blueprint. There are certain players that fit Yzerman’s scheme and we’re beginning to see that the first round choices of the past may not be it.