Detroit Red Wings appoint Steve Yzerman as advisor as team searches for new general manager

The Detroit Red Wings said on Wednesday, July 15, that former general manager Steve Yzerman will transition to an advisory role as the organization begins a search for a new general manager. Yzerman, who led the team for seven seasons without reaching the NHL playoffs, will remain involved in hockey operations while the front office evaluates candidates.

The move follows a season in which the Wings missed the postseason for the tenth consecutive year, finishing well outside the playoff picture after a mid-season trade of their 2026 first-round pick for defenseman Justin Faulk. The team also dealt with a trade request from captain Dylan Larkin, who is under a five-year, $69.6 million contract with a favorable cap hit. Larkin submitted a limited list of preferred destinations, but the Wings have indicated they seek a replacement center rather than future assets, complicating any potential deal.

During the offseason, the franchise explored signing veteran forward Patrick Kane, who remains unsigned as of mid-July. According to former player Chris Chelios, Kane is weighing offers from Chicago and Buffalo.

The organization, owned by Mike and Marian Ilitch since 1982, is aiming to address roster depth issues and improve its draft performance after missing on several first-round selections between 2015 and 2018. The new general manager will be tasked with rebuilding the team and restoring its competitive standing.