DETROIT >> General manager Steve Yzerman defended his decision to mainly stay put at the trade deadline during Tuesday’s season-ending press conference, and added he was prepared to give up assets.

Yzerman’s comments appeared to be a direct response to captain Dylan Larkin’s season-ending comments, which implied the team was disappointed there was little action at the trade deadline.

Yzerman said he didn’t notice any dip in morale, or disappointment, from the lineup after the March trade deadline, and added he counts on our leaders “to give us a morale boost,” and added he’s addressed the comments with Larkin.

Yzerman acquired goaltender Petr Mrazek — who is expected to compete for a starting job next season — and forward Craig Smith from Chicago at the trade deadline for forward Joe Veleno.

“I know it’s my responsibility and I’m counting on (coach) Todd (McLellan) and his staff and particularly our best players to do their job and everyone to hold themselves accountable and to a high standard,” Yzerman said.

“I started with this process six years ago with an emphasis on drafting and developing, and for the most part, we’ve decided to stick with that and will continue to stick with that,” Yzerman said. “We’ll try to draft well and (development coaches) Dan Cleary and Nick Kronwall, they’ve done an excellent job in developing our prospects.”

Yzerman said the development of young players such as forwards Marco Kasper, Jonatan Berggren and Elmer Soderblom, and defensemen Simon Edvinsson and Albert Johansson was a bright spot.

“(They had) significant roles on our team and gives us all a reason for optimism and hope that we’re on the right track,” Yzerman said.

The hiring of coach Todd McLellan on Dec. 26 to replace Derek Lalonde spurred the Wings into a playoff position, something Yzerman felt was possible with this roster. The Wings have missed the playoffs for nine consecutive years).

“We felt we could compete for a playoff spot and we made the coaching change, (and) we felt we could compete for a playoff spot and we did ultimately compete for a playoff spot,” Yzerman said.

The Wings need more offense, including depth scoring, Yzerman said, and he’d like to see a team to be harder to play against.

Yzerman and McLellan said that goaltending coach Alex Westlund and video coordinator LJ Scarpace will not return.