Yzerman Steps Down As Red Wings GM

In a decision that caught the NHL by surprise, the Detroit Red Wings announced franchise icon Steve Yzerman will switch roles in the organization. He has stepped down as the Red Wings’ general manager. Instead, he will serve as a senior advisor to CEO and governor Chris Ilitch.

Yzerman will continue to oversee day-to-day operations until a successor is named, according to the press release. However, the search for a successor is already underway. The Red Wings pledged to consider external candidates as well as internal applicants.

The Red Wings are currently mired in a playoff drought that spans the last 10 seasons. Additionally, longtime captain Dylan Larkin requested a trade earlier this off-season. The process proved difficult with Larkin presenting a very limited list of teams for whom he’d waive his no-movement clause. However, the trade request remains.

Conversely, the Red Wings have considerable cap space with which to work: $21.34 million per Cap Wages ($19.6 million per Puckpedia). An immediate order of business: getting restricted free agent defenseman Simon Edvinsson signed to a new contract.

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