Shocking Development: Steve Yzerman Steps Down From Red Wings GM Post
The @DetroitRedWings announce that Steve Yzerman is out as general manager, will transition to an advisor role.
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) July 15, 2026
Owner Chris Ilitch will lead a search to find Detroit’s next GM, including internal and external candidates.
Greg Wyshynski of ESPN reports that while Yzerman is transitioning from his role as executive vice president and GM, he will continue serving the organization as senior advisor to governor and CEO Chris Ilitch.
"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. I've appreciated every experience throughout the years, and I'm extremely proud to remain part of this great franchise."
Yzerman's 7 years did not produce one playoff appearance
Yzerman's seven years at the helm have not been marked with success.
"The Yzerplan,' as it was colloquially called, failed to produce a single playoff berth for the Red Wings," Wyshynski writes. "The team struggled to develop top prospects into the next generation of star players. Yzerman swung and missed on attempts to acquire star players when they were available.
Earlier this past season, it seemed that things may be turning, as the team briefly held down first place in the Atlantic Division with a 32-16-5 record. However, they suffered a late-season collapse and ultimately missed the playoffs. Again.
And of course, the team's fortunes hit rock bottom this offseason, when it was revealed that captain Dylan Larkin had asked for a trade. None has been forthcoming, as the limited 3 or 4-team trade list that he's provided has not produced any substantive offers to satisfy the Wings.
ESPN's Emily Kaplan reported that "issues between Larkin and Detroit management have been brewing a while, dating back at least to testy contract negotiations in 2023." And we know that Larkin came out after the 2024-25 season expressing his disappointment that the Wings didn't bring in any reinforcements at the trade deadline that year.
"Clearly, we are not where we and our fans expect to be as an organization," Ilitch said in a statement. "I'm looking forward to bringing in new leadership to build the championship-caliber organization Hockeytown deserves."