07/15/26 10:37:00
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07/15 10:35 CDT Steve Yzerman abruptly steps down as general manager of the
Detroit Red Wings
Steve Yzerman abruptly steps down as general manager of the Detroit Red Wings
By STEPHEN WHYNO
AP Hockey Writer
Steve Yzerman abruptly stepped down as general manager of the Detroit Red Wings
on Wednesday, a stunning midsummer change by a franchise great leaving the job
after seven seasons and zero playoff appearances.
Yzerman's transition to an advisory role to owner and CEO Chris Ilitch comes
several weeks after captain and No. 1 center Dylan Larkin's trade request came
to light. The Red Wings' decade-long playoff drought is the longest in the
storied history of the organization and the longest active drought in the NHL.
The team said its search for a new head of hockey operations has begun and that
Yzerman will continue to be in charge on a day-to-day basis until his successor
is determined.
"Clearly, we are not where we and our fans expect to be as an organization,"
Ilitch said in a statement. "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."
Yzerman spent his entire 22-year Hall of Fame playing career with Detroit from
1983-2006, captaining it to the Stanley Cup three times. He has the three
highest-scoring seasons in franchise history and is second only to Gordie Howe
on the Red Wings' all-time points list.
"This organization has given me incredible opportunities, from my time as a
player to the privilege of returning as general manager," Yzerman said. "My
commitment to the Red Wings and this community will never waver, and I look
forward to supporting the organization in whatever role is needed to achieve
our collective goals."
But he did not get hired just for his on-ice performance. Yzerman was an
accomplished GM with Tampa Bay, building the core group of players and
leadership that eventually won back-to-back championships. He took over in
Detroit in 2019, where success on the ice has not materialized.
Yzerman's moves or lack thereof have contributed to the struggles, including
failing to adequately address goaltending. Trading Tyler Bertuzzi to Boston and
Filip Hronek to Vancouver for draft picks at the trade deadline in March 2023
and giving up a second-rounder to unload Jake Walman on a deal with San Jose 15
months later are among the questionable decisions.
Larkin also criticized Yzerman for not doing more at the 2024 deadline, and the
team struggled down the stretch without reinforcements. Acquiring Justin Faulk
and David Perron this past season also was not enough to get the Red Wings into
the top eight in the Eastern Conference.
Larkin asking to be traded --- with Minnesota, Florida and Vegas initially the
only teams on his list --- threatened the direction of the team at a time when
it looked like Yzerman's position was safe. Yzerman last month said he could
not guarantee granting Larkin's wish because the player is signed for five more
seasons at an average annual salary of $8.7 million.
Figuring out that situation will now be someone else's call, as will improving
a roster that has perennially underacheived expectations.
"I'm looking forward to bringing in new leadership to build the
championship-caliber organization (Detroit) deserves," Ilitch said.
___
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