Red Wings’ Review: Mark Pysyk’s Future

Not long after the Red Wings announced the signing of Pysyk, they issued a press release stating that Pysyk tore his Achilles tendon while training.  The Red Wings immediately announced they had signed Robert Hagg, a left-shot defender,

The initial estimate was that Pysyk would need four to six months of recovery time. The Red Wings expected him back in January. But he had a setback in rehabilitation and didn’t play a single game.

2021-22 Red Wings Highlight

The only positive for Pysyk, and it wasn’t much consolation, is that his training injury happened roughly a week or so after he signed with the Red Wings. The Red Wings announced his surgery 11 days after they announced they signed him. That means he received his full pay for the season.

2021-22 Red Wings Lowlight

As distressing as the original injury was for the player and the team, news that Pysyk had suffered a setback was equally bad only because the coaching staff had started to count on Pysyk returning. He was on track toward returning. And then suddenly he has a setback and he’s gone for the season

With all of the injuries the Red Wings were experiencing, they didn’t need the second dagger.

What Does His Detroit Future Hold?

The encouraging news for Pysyk is that his latest rehabilitation has gone well. Sources told Detroit Hockey Now that he is “healing nicely.”

We were told that Pysyk should be medically cleared to play “any day now.” The expectation is that he will have a normal summer of training.

We are also told Pysyk liked his time in Detroit and would like to stay. But thus far there has not been any discussion with general manager Steve Yzerman. The Red Wings still need a right-shot defensemen, but there hasn’t been any indication that they want to bring back Pysyk. But Yzerman’s intentions rarely leak out.

It’s easy to see why the Red Wings might prefer to explore options beyond Pysyk. They got nothing in return for their investment last season. But Pysyk, if healthy, does have desirable qualities.  Plus, there is a shortage of right-shot defenseman in the marketplace. If nothing works out in the free agent marketplace, they could double-back to Pysyk.

Here’s what we know for sure: Pysyk is only 31. He likely will find an NHL job for next season.