Steve Yzerman steps down as Detroit Red Wings GM, franchise begins search for replacement

Long‑time Red Wings legend Steve Yzerman resigned as general manager on Wednesday, ending a seven‑season tenure that produced no playoff appearances. He will remain with the organization as a senior advisor to owner‑CEO Chris Ilitch, who announced an immediate search for a new head of hockey operations. The club is evaluating both internal candidates—such as former player‑turned‑assistant GM Kris Draper and longtime assistant Shawn Horcoff—and a wide slate of external options, including former New Jersey GM Tom Fitzgerald, former Canadiens executive Marc Bergevin, former player‑executive Brendan Shanahan, and other names like Kevyn Adams, Evan Gold and Ryan Martin.

The search is occurring amid captain Dylan Larkin’s recent trade request, which lists Minnesota, Vegas, Florida and Dallas as potential destinations. Larkin’s demand, publicized in early June, has intensified scrutiny of the GM vacancy, as the new executive will need to decide whether to retain the franchise’s marquee player and how to accelerate the rebuilding process. Analysts have also critiqued Yzerman’s era, citing a lack of clear rebuilding milestones and questionable roster moves. The Red Wings, owners of the longest active NHL playoff drought, are under pressure to reverse the trend before the upcoming draft and free‑agency period.