Franchise icon Steve Yzerman will be stepping down from his role as general manager of the Detroit Red Wings the team announced on Wednesday. While he will no longer serve as GM of the team, Yzerman will remain part of the organization as he transitions to a Senior Advisor role with the club.
“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.”
“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,” Yzerman continued. “I want to thank our passionate fanbase for their support, as they are what makes Detroit and the entire state of Michigan a very special place in the hockey world.”
The Red Wings will now begin a search for their new GM ahead of the 2026-27 season. In the interim, Yzerman will remain in his current role to facilitate the transition between himself and the new hire.
“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 CEO Chris 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.”
A 22 year veteran with the winged-wheel, Yzerman retired from his playing career in 2006, eventually earning an induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame. The long-time captain would join the team’s front office as VP of Hockey Operations from 2006-2010 before being hired by the Tampa Bay Lightning hockey operations department in 2010.
Yzerman would help build the back-to-back Stanley Cup winning rosters for the Lightning in 2020 and 2021 before returning to Detroit to become the 11th General Manager in Red Wings history. The Red Wings fanbase welcomed back the prodigal son with open arms in the hope that he would be able to end the team’s 3 year playoff drought.
Unfortunately, things didn’t go as planned, and the drought has now reached 10 years, with Detroit last qualifying for the postseason back in 2015-16. A rather remarkable second half collapse for Detroit saw them tumble down the standings in the Atlantic division to finish behind Buffalo, Tampa Bay, Montreal, Boston, and Ottawa.
Rumours of behind the scenes clashes dogged the club for much of the season, culminating in team captain Dylan Larkin requesting a trade this summer.
“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.”
Detroit will begin their preseason schedule on Monday, September 21st against the Columbus Blue Jackets.
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