Steve Yzerman steps down as Red Wings general manager, transitions to advisory role
Yzerman’s Transition and Search for a Successor
Steve Yzerman is stepping down from his role as executive vice president and general manager of the Detroit Red Wings. He will transition into a senior adviser position for governor and CEO Chris Ilitch. The Red Wings organization has initiated a search for a new head of hockey operations.
In a statement, Ilitch expressed gratitude for Yzerman’s contributions to the franchise, acknowledging his commitment. Yzerman also released a statement, thanking Ilitch and the Ilitch family for the opportunities he received, from his time as a player to his return as general manager. He affirmed his pride in remaining part of the franchise.
Yzerman will continue in his current general manager capacity for a short period to manage day-to-day hockey operations until his successor is named. He will also serve in an advisory role on the search committee for the new leader of hockey operations. This committee will include Ryan Gustafson, president and chief executive officer of Ilitch Sports and Entertainment, among other leaders.
The timing of this change is notable, as the NHL Entry Draft concluded in late June and unrestricted free agency began on July 1. Rosters are currently being finalized across the league, and front offices are being assembled. There is no immediate timeline for naming a new general manager for the Red Wings.
Yzerman’s Tenure and Organizational Challenges
Yzerman returned to the Red Wings in April 2019, taking over the hockey operations department. At that time, the organization was in the initial stages of a significant rebuild. Yzerman, who had previously achieved success as general manager of the Tampa Bay Lightning, was viewed as a fitting choice to lead this effort.
A Hockey Hall of Famer, Yzerman won three Stanley Cups with the Red Wings as a player, captaining the team through a period of success in the 1990s and early 2000s. The hope was that he could replicate this success in an executive role. However, the organization faced considerable challenges. Following a 25-year playoff streak from 1991 through 2016, the Red Wings had traded many draft picks for immediate success. By the time Yzerman arrived, the team had few top young players remaining, an issue compounded by drafting decisions made under previous general manager Ken Holland during the early years of the rebuild.
Initially, Yzerman garnered strong support from fans due to his status as a franchise icon. His first draft pick, Moritz Seider at No. 6 in 2019, further solidified belief in his leadership. Despite some early positive developments, the Red Wings encountered difficulties in advancing the rebuild. While the team intentionally bottomed out early in his tenure to accumulate high draft picks, the on-ice results stalled even as the organizational focus shifted toward contending.
Detroit has now missed the postseason for 10 consecutive seasons. A recent development saw Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin, who was expected to be a central figure in the rebuild, request a trade from his hometown franchise. Ilitch acknowledged the team’s current position, stating, “Clearly, we are not where we and our fans expect to be as an organization.”
Potential Candidates for General Manager
Several individuals are being considered as potential replacements for Yzerman. These candidates include both internal personnel and those currently working in other NHL front offices.
- Kevyn Adams, senior advisor for the Boston Bruins: Adams recently took on this new role. He assembled the Buffalo Sabres‘ roster that ended a 14-year playoff drought this season, winning the Atlantic Division.
- Kris Draper, Red Wings director of amateur scouting and assistant general manager: Draper has led the amateur scouting department since 2019 and was appointed assistant general manager in 2023. As a former player and loyal member of the organization, his transition to general manager could be smooth.
- Shawn Horcoff, Red Wings assistant general manager: Horcoff has advanced through the ranks within the Red Wings organization and has overseen successful operations with the minor-league affiliate Grand Rapids Griffins. He has been linked to several other NHL openings.
- Ryan Martin, assistant general manager for the New York Rangers: Martin previously served as an assistant under both Ken Holland and Yzerman with the Red Wings, making him familiar with the organization. He oversaw a Grand Rapids team that secured two AHL championships and has been a finalist for multiple general manager positions.
- Brandon Pridham, hockey operations consultant for the Pittsburgh Penguins: Pridham was recently hired by the Penguins. He is known for his expertise with the salary cap, his experience under various management styles in Toronto, and his relationships with agents and players across the NHL.
- Jason Spezza, assistant general manager for the Pittsburgh Penguins: Spezza, a long-time player, is part of the Penguins’ front office and has been rumored for other NHL jobs. He was directly involved in personnel decisions in Toronto and has worked on Team Canada rosters.
The search committee, including Ryan Gustafson, will be involved in selecting the new hockey operations leader.
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Source: eu.detroitnews.com
