Red Wings’ Moritz Seider still appreciates Steve Yzerman for giving him a chance in 2019

The Detroit Red Wings are still searching for a new general manager as training camp approaches. Detroit moved on from Steve Yzerman shortly after 2026 NHL free agency began. For all the conversation surrounding Yzerman’s work in Detroit, he still has a supporter in defenseman Moritz Seider.

The superstar defenseman was the first draft pick of the Yzerman era for the Red Wings. It was a bit of a stunning move at the time, taking the German defenseman higher than many draft analysts had him. However, it turned out to be one of his best moves, and Seider remains grateful to this day.

“I can only say how thankful I am for his opportunity back in ’19, where he saw something in me a lot of people didn’t see at the time,” Seider said of Yzerman, via The Athletic. “He took a big risk putting my name on this board that early, and I think that’s something that obviously makes my connection a little bit more special with him, and that’s something I’ll always really be thankful for.”

Seider has emerged as one of the best all-around defensemen in the NHL. This past season saw him stamp his claim to being the best defensive defenseman in the league. He finished with 2.18 even-strength defensive WAR, according to HockeyStats.com. This is not only the best mark in the league for 2025-26, but he was also the only defenseman worth at least 2.0 even-strength defensive WAR.

The Red Wings are going through a lot off the ice heading into the 2026-27 season. Seider remains, as do some impressive young players. Perhaps the superstar defenseman can steady the ship and lead Detroit to its next playoff run sooner rather than later.

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