The franchise legend transitions to a senior advisor role as Detroit launches a high-stakes search for new leadership to end the NHL’s longest active playoff drought.
On Wednesday morning, the Detroit Red Wings announced a significant change to their front office with Steve Yzerman is stepping down as Executive Vice President and General Manager, the organization confirmed.
With Yzerman shifting into a new position as senior advisor with the team also announcing that they will begin a search for its next head of hockey operations.
In a statement released by the team, Yzerman said he is "sincerely grateful to Chris and the entire Ilitch family," reflecting on the "incredible opportunities" afforded to him throughout his time with the organization, both as a player and later as general manager.
Ilitch echoed that sentiment in the same statement, saying Yzerman's "lifetime of contributions to the Red Wings has meant more to this franchise than words can truly express," and that he holds "the highest level of respect for his continued commitment to our organization." Ilitch added that the team is thankful for Yzerman's hard work and dedication as general manager and is grateful he'll remain part of the Red Wings family moving forward.
The Red Wings confirmed when it came to the search for a new leader of hockey operations, that both internal and external candidates will be under consideration.
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In the meantime, Yzerman will continue to work the day-to-day operations of the hockey department to ensure a smooth transition until a successor is named, and he'll also serve in an advisory capacity on the search committee alongside Ilitch Sports + Entertainment President and CEO Ryan Gustafson, along with other franchise leaders.
Yzerman's tenure in Detroit's front office dates back to 2006, when he first joined as vice president of hockey operations after a Hall of Fame playing career with the club. He left in 2010 to become general manager of the Tampa Bay Lightning, a run that included four trips to the Eastern Conference Final and a berth in the 2015 Stanley Cup Final, before the Lightning won back-to-back championships in 2020 and 2021 under his successor, Julien BriseBois.
That rebuild has yet to fully materialize as since Yzerman's return, Detroit has gone 224-251-62, with the club ranking in the bottom five of the league in both offense and defense over that stretch. The Red Wings have not made the playoffs in a single season under his watch, now sitting on the longest active postseason drought in the NHL.
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