Corey Schneider Unleashes Criticism on the Yzerplan
In a stunning turn of events that has set the hockey world abuzz, former NHL goaltender Corey Schneider has broken his silence and delivered a fiery critique of the Detroit Red Wings’ much-discussed rebuilding strategy, famously dubbed the “Yzerplan.”
Appearing on a recent episode of the Off the Ice podcast, Schneider didn’t hold back when the conversation turned to Detroit’s struggles. “I get the whole idea behind the Yzerplan—draft, develop, stay patient,” Schneider said. “But at some point, you have to look at the results. How many more years are we going to keep hearing ‘trust the process’ before we admit it’s not working?”
Schneider, who spent more than a decade battling in the NHL crease, emphasized that his perspective comes from a place of respect, but also realism. “Steve Yzerman is a legend. No one’s questioning that. But this idea that every move he makes is automatically gold? That’s dangerous. Detroit fans deserve accountability, not just promises of a brighter future that never seems to arrive.”
The former goalie pointed to what he sees as repeated missteps: questionable free agent signings, inconsistent drafting outside the first round, and a lack of urgency to push the team toward real playoff contention. “You can stockpile prospects all day, but if your culture becomes ‘losing is fine as long as we’re rebuilding,’ you’re setting yourself up for a decade of mediocrity,” Schneider warned.
Schneider’s comments are a rare direct hit on a philosophy that has, until now, enjoyed near-universal backing from media and fans alike. The Yzerplan, launched when Yzerman returned to Detroit in 2019, emphasized long-term growth through the draft, strategic trades, and minimal reliance on free agency. While there have been bright spots—such as the emergence of Moritz Seider and Lucas Raymond—Detroit’s continued absence from serious playoff contention has begun to raise eyebrows.
“You look around the league,” Schneider continued, “and teams that were rebuilding after Detroit started—like Ottawa, Buffalo, even New Jersey—are starting to pass them by. At some point, you have to stop building and start winning.”
Unsurprisingly, Schneider’s words have triggered fierce debate online. Some fans praised him for daring to challenge the narrative, while others blasted him for what they saw as an unfair and premature critique.
For his part, Schneider made it clear he wasn’t rooting against the Red Wings. “I want Detroit to be good again. Hockey is better when the Wings are competitive. But this blind faith in the Yzerplan? It’s time to start asking some harder questions.”
Only time will tell whether Schneider’s bold comments will be a footnote or a turning point in how the hockey world views the Red Wings’ slow rebuild. One thing is certain: for the first time in years, the Yzerplan isn’t above criticism—and the conversation has just begun.
