The landscape of the NHL remains dynamic following the trade deadline, with key players and teams reevaluating their strategies. Fabian Zetterlund's situation in San Jose raises questions about his role and potential impact, especially after the Sharks prioritized two-way play over offensive production. Meanwhile, Steve Yzerman's 'Yzerplan' for the Detroit Red Wings has come under scrutiny after trades that seem to stall playoff aspirations. The Red Wings, who have a promising roster, now face uncertainty regarding their core players such as Dylan Larkin and Lucas Raymond.

The ongoing injuries in the league complicate matters further. While other teams made moves to shore up their lineups, Detroit's struggles, particularly with their penalty kill unit, have been exposed, leading to defeats that raise alarms among fans. The acquisitions of players like Petr Mrazek and Dylan Cozens seem to have created more questions than answers, especially regarding Detroit's goaltending situation and overall team cohesion.