The Calgary Flames are embarking on a rebuild under general manager Craig Conroy, and while there are many successful models to follow, cautionary tales like the Detroit Red Wings offer valuable lessons on what to avoid.
Detroit's Playoff Drought Continues
The Red Wings have not made the playoffs since the 2015-16 season, when they lost 4-1 to the Tampa Bay Lightning in the first round. That drought is now the longest active streak in the NHL, following the Buffalo Sabres' recent return to the postseason. Steve Yzerman was hired in 2019 to lead Detroit back to prominence, but his "Yzerplan" has so far yielded only near-misses and disappointment.
Stalled Progress Under Yzerman
In seven seasons under Yzerman, the Red Wings have posted a points percentage of just 0.475 and have yet to reach the playoffs. While they have improved from a disastrous 39-point campaign in 2019-20 to a 90-point club, there is no clear path to contention. The primary reason for this stagnation is poor drafting.
Drafting Woes
Detroit's draft results since 2019 have been mediocre at best. They have landed two stars: defenseman Moritz Seider (sixth overall in 2019) and forward Lucas Raymond (fourth overall in 2020). However, since then, their first-round picks have failed to produce similar impact. The list includes Simon Edvinsson (sixth, 2021), Sebastian Cossa (15th, 2021), Marco Kasper (eighth, 2022), Nate Danielson (ninth, 2023), Axel Sandin-Pellikka (17th, 2023), Michael Brandsegg-Nygard (15th, 2024), and Carter Bear (13th, 2025). Many of these players are still developing, but none have emerged as stars.
Unlike the Red Wings' dynasties built on late-round gems like Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg, this version of Detroit has failed to find notable talent outside the first round. Albert Johansson, selected 60th overall in 2019, is their most successful mid-round pick with 143 NHL games played. Before Yzerman, the team also missed on high picks like Filip Zadina (sixth overall in 2018) and Michael Rasmussen (ninth overall in 2017).
A Meager Core
As a result, Detroit's homegrown core consists of 29-year-old Dylan Larkin (drafted in 2014), Raymond, Seider, and arguably Edvinsson, who has developed into a capable top-four defenseman. Other prospects may eventually join them, but after nearly a decade of losing, this is a slim return. With seven top-10 picks since 2017, the Red Wings have secured only two stars and no truly transformational talents. Raymond and Seider are excellent players, but they are not the kind of franchise-altering forces that can singlehandedly change a team's fortunes. The failure to find any other noteworthy players among dozens of picks outside the top 30 is a critical shortcoming.
For Conroy and the Flames, the lesson is clear: a rebuild hinges on exceptional drafting. Without it, even the most well-intentioned plans can stall, leaving a team stuck in mediocrity.
