It’s hard to imagine anyone in the NHL feeling the heat more than Detroit Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman right now.
Since taking the helm in April 2019, Yzerman, a Red Wings legend, hasn't quite hit the high notes he might have expected. As the season winds down, the pressure is mounting, and Yzerman's future with the team looks increasingly uncertain.
Being on the hot seat means facing immense pressure to deliver results. As the season reaches its climax, here are three NHL staffers feeling the heat.
Red-Hot: Steve Yzerman, GM, Detroit Red Wings
Just a couple of weeks ago, the temperature was rising for Yzerman as the Red Wings began slipping in the Eastern Conference standings, posting a 4-5-1 record over their last ten games. This was a stark contrast to their earlier position in the top three of the Atlantic Division.
The situation has only worsened.
Heading into Thursday’s games, Detroit finds itself 10th in the East, trailing by a single point for a playoff spot after being overtaken by the Ottawa Senators.
With only 11 games left, the tension in Motown is palpable. Yzerman is at the center of it all.
If the Red Wings miss the playoffs for the 10th consecutive season, despite being in a promising position for much of the year, it’s likely that Yzerman will either step down or be shown the door by the end of April.