Yzerman out as Red Wings GM, but questions remain - NHL.com
Yzerman transitions to advisory role
Steve Yzerman has stepped down as the general manager of the Detroit Red Wings, a move announced on Wednesday. He will transition into an advisory role for owner and CEO Chris Ilitch. The organization has initiated a search for a new head of hockey operations, considering both internal and external candidates. During this transition period, Yzerman will continue to manage day-to-day hockey operations until his successor is appointed.
Ilitch acknowledged Yzerman’s extensive contributions to the Red Wings, stating that his commitment to the organization is highly respected. Yzerman, in turn, expressed gratitude for the opportunities provided by the Ilitch family and reaffirmed his dedication to the Red Wings and the community. He stated his commitment to the team and the community will not waver and he looks forward to supporting the organization in any necessary capacity to achieve its goals.
The change comes after seven seasons in the general manager role for Yzerman, during which the team did not make any playoff appearances. The Red Wings are currently experiencing their longest playoff drought in franchise history, which is also the longest active drought in the NHL.
Search for new leadership begins
The search committee for the new hockey operations leader will include Yzerman in an advisory capacity, alongside Ilitch Sports & Entertainment president and chief executive officer Ryan Gustafson, among others. Ilitch emphasized the need for new leadership to build a championship-calibre organization, reflecting the sentiment that the team has not met expectations.
Yzerman, who is 61, spent his entire 22-year Hall of Fame playing career with Detroit from 1983-2006. During his time as a player, he captained the team to three Stanley Cup victories. He holds the three highest-scoring seasons in franchise history and is second only to Gordie Howe on the Red Wings‘ all-time points list.
Before returning to Detroit, Yzerman had a successful tenure as general manager for the Tampa Bay Lightning from 2010-2019, where he built the core group of players and leadership that later secured back-to-back championships. He took on the general manager role for the Red Wings in April 2019.
Questions surrounding team direction
The announcement follows several weeks after reports emerged regarding captain and No. 1 centre Dylan Larkin‘s trade request. Larkin’s relationship with Yzerman was cited as a key factor in his desire for a trade. Yzerman had previously indicated that he could not guarantee granting Larkin’s request, as the player is signed for five more seasons with an average annual salary of $8.7 million. The resolution of Larkin’s situation will now fall to the incoming leadership.
Some of Yzerman’s decisions as general manager have been questioned, including the team’s goaltending situation, which some believe was not adequately addressed. Notable moves included trading Tyler Bertuzzi to Boston and Filip Hronek to Vancouver for draft picks in March 2023. Additionally, a second-round pick was given up to facilitate the unloading of Jake Walman in a deal with San Jose 15 months later.
Larkin also reportedly criticized Yzerman for not making more significant moves at the 2024 trade deadline, which coincided with the team’s struggles in the latter part of the season without additional reinforcements. Acquisitions such as Justin Faulk and David Perron this past season were not enough to secure a top-eight position in the Eastern Conference for the Red Wings. The team has not reached the playoffs since 2016, when they lost to Yzerman’s Tampa Bay Lightning in the first round.
This development comes after Yzerman oversaw the NHL Entry Draft last month.
Source: sportsnet.ca
