Was this Steve Yzerman's best decision ever?
The emergence of Dan Watson, bench boss for the Grand Rapids Griffins is bringing high praise to Steve Yzerman for a brilliant hire.
When it comes down to breaking down the job Steve Yzerman has done for the Detroit Red Wings so far, one noteworthy point of business for the general manager has been his ability to bolster his farm system. The Grand Rapids Griffins have been a formidable force in the AHL since the acquisition of Dan Watson, who has transformed their system from a ground roots level and has bred a winning culture in Grand Rapids.
In his first season with the Grand Rapids Griffins, Watson pushed the team to the playoffs (first time since 2018-19, which is wild to me). The Grand Rapids Griffins finished 72 gams with 37 wins, 23 losses, 12 overtime/shootout losses for second in their division in the AHL.
Watson has been responsible for making highly intuitive decisions in the lineup from top to bottom. Watson has a knack for balance, and has been able to bring out the best of his players all throughout the Griffins Lineup. Steve Yzerman's ability to select the right staff for his farm system has proven to be detrimental to their future success in the NHL. Not only has Dan Watson emerged as one of the top coaches in the AHL, his ability to develop and mentor future Red Wings talent is worth mentioning when assessing Steve Yzerman's abilities as a leader.
source: Octopus Thrower
Steve Yzerman's best move so far for the Detroit Red Wings
POLL |
Was Dan Watson a great hire by Yzerman? |
Yes | 72 | 75 % |
No | 24 | 25 % |
List of polls |
|
1 hour ago | By Jack Sutherland Injury-riddled Detroit Red Wings make another call up from the AHL |
|
2 hours ago | By Jack Sutherland Terrible update released on Detroit Red Wings forward Patrick Kane |
|
3 hours ago | By Jack Sutherland The latest on the potential of Sergei Fedorov's #91 being retired by the Detroit Red Wings |
|
14 hours ago | By Jack Sutherland NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman threatens all 32 NHL clubs |
|
15 hours ago | By Jack Sutherland Report: Boston Bruins considering the unthinkable with Brad Marchand? |
|
17 hours ago | By Jack Sutherland Sebastian Cossa thrilled after being re-called by Detroit Red Wings for 1st official NHL stint |
|
18 hours ago | By Jack Sutherland Another avenue has opened for the Detroit Red Wings to potentially acquire Jacob Trouba |
|
18 hours ago | By Jack Sutherland Derek Lalonde discloses the status of injured Detroit Red Wings forward Patrick Kane |
Previously on Red Wings Insider