(AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)
Steve Yzerman’s second stint leading the Detroit Red Wings has come to an unexpected end, with the Hall of Famer stepping down as the franchise’s general manager after seven seasons without a playoff appearance.
The Red Wings announced Wednesday that Yzerman is transitioning from his roles as executive vice president and general manager to become senior adviser to governor and CEO Chris Ilitch. Detroit has already begun searching for a new head of hockey operations, with Yzerman expected to assist during the transition.
“I am sincerely grateful to Chris and the entire Ilitch family,” Yzerman said in a statement. “This organization has given me incredible opportunities, from my time as a player to the privilege of returning as GM.”
Yzerplan Falls Short of Expectations
Yzerman returned to Detroit in 2019 with the goal of restoring one of the NHL’s most decorated franchises to Stanley Cup contention.
Instead, the rebuilding effort known by fans as the “Yzerplan” never produced a postseason berth. Despite several high draft picks and roster changes, the Red Wings failed to end what has become the longest playoff drought in franchise history.
Detroit also struggled to develop several highly touted prospects into franchise cornerstones, while a number of Yzerman’s roster moves drew criticism. The club missed on opportunities to land impact talent, including an unsuccessful pursuit of star defenseman Quinn Hughes.
The disappointing results were compounded this offseason when captain Dylan Larkin’s trade request became public, creating additional uncertainty around the organization’s direction.
Hall of Fame Legacy Remains Untouched
Although his tenure as general manager ended without the turnaround many envisioned, Yzerman’s legacy in Detroit remains unquestioned.
The Hall of Fame center spent his entire 22-year playing career with the Red Wings, recording 692 goals and 1,755 points while captaining the franchise to three Stanley Cup championships. His No. 19 jersey hangs in the rafters as one of the organization’s retired numbers.
Before returning to Detroit, Yzerman established himself as one of hockey’s top executives with the Tampa Bay Lightning, where he built the foundation of the roster that later won consecutive Stanley Cups. He also guided Tampa Bay to the 2015 Stanley Cup Final and earned NHL General Manager of the Year honors that season.
Red Wings Begin Search for New Leadership
Team owner Chris Ilitch acknowledged the organization has fallen short of expectations and said the search for new leadership is already underway.
Internal candidates include vice president of hockey operations Nicklas Lidstrom, assistant general manager Shawn Horcoff and assistant general manager Kris Draper, while the organization will also evaluate external candidates.
Steve Yzerman will continue overseeing day-to-day hockey operations until the organization hires his successor, after which he will shift into his advisory role.
“Clearly, we are not where we and our fans expect to be as an organization,” Ilitch said. “I’m looking forward to bringing in new leadership to build the championship-caliber organization Hockeytown deserves.”
