Yzerman Out as Red Wings GM; Search for Successor Begins

The Detroit Red Wings announced Wednesday that Steve Yzerman is stepping away from his role as Executive Vice President and General Manager, transitioning instead into a senior advisor position under Governor and CEO Chris Ilitch. The move ends a seven-year run in which the team failed to reach the playoffs in 10 straight seasons.

An update from the Detroit Red Wings.

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Yzerman will stay on temporarily to oversee day-to-day hockey operations during the transition and will sit on the search committee for his replacement, which also includes Ilitch Sports + Entertainment President & CEO Ryan Gustafson. Both internal and external candidates are in play, with Ilitch leading the process.

“Steve’s lifetime of contributions to the Red Wings has meant more to this franchise than words can truly express, and I have the highest level of respect for his continued commitment to our organization,” said Ilitch. “We are thankful for Steve’s hard work and dedication as General Manager and are grateful knowing Steve will remain where he belongs – here with the Red Wings family.”

The timing raises eyebrows: it comes roughly three weeks after captain Dylan Larkin requested a trade following another late-season collapse. The team hasn’t clarified whether the shift was mutual or effectively a dismissal reframed as a reassignment.

“I am sincerely grateful to Chris and the entire Ilitch family,” said Yzerman. “This organization has given me incredible opportunities, from my time as a player to the privilege of returning as General Manager. I’ve appreciated every experience throughout the years, and I’m extremely proud to remain part of this great franchise.”

Possible Replacements

• Kris Draper — Current director of amateur scouting and Red Wings assistant GM; a Grind Line legend with deep organizational roots, seen by insiders as an obvious internal choice.
• Shawn Horcoff — The team’s other assistant GM, also floated by insider Elliotte Friedman as a candidate to take over day-to-day roster construction.
• External candidates — Unnamed so far, but given several other teams (Nashville, Vancouver, Toronto, New Jersey) filled GM openings this offseason, Detroit may look at executives who missed out on those jobs.

“Clearly, we are not where we and our fans expect to be as an organization” said Ilitch. “I’m looking forward to bringing in new leadership to build the championship-caliber organization Hockeytown deserves.”

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