Insider Reveals Surprising New Details On Yzerman’s Move Out Of Hockey Ops

So was Steve Yzerman's 'stepping down' from the president of hockey operations job in Detroit to be a senior advisor really a mutually agreed-upon decision with the Red Wings? 

According to a new report from Elliotte Friedman on the 32 Thoughts podcast, not so much. 

Initially I thought maybe Yzerman resigned. I don’t believe that was the case. I believe the Red Wings made the choice to move on.

And that is a big differentiator when it comes to the search for a new head of hockey ops. 

When the Red Wings first made the announcement that Yzerman was out, they kind of made it sound like he would still be involved. I think some people were nervous about taking the job if Yzerman would still have a say, and if he was still around. Like, he's an intimidating guy. But I don't think that's going to be the case.

For context, here's the statement from owner Chris Ilitch back in July about Yzerman transitioning out of the hockey ops role to "senior advisor":

"Steve's lifetime of contributions to the Red Wings has meant more to this franchise than words can truly express, and I have the highest level of respect for his continued commitment to our organization,” said Ilitch. “We are thankful for Steve’s hard work and dedication as General Manager and are grateful knowing Steve will remain where he belongs – here with the Red Wings family.”    

So apparently he's still 'in the family', but he's no longer the patriarch of the hockey operations. Nor will he be involved at all. 

Meanwhile, the search for a replacement continues in earnest, with the Wings moving from internal candidates to external ones, says Friedman. 

And as for Dylan Larkin and his trade request? It still stands for now, the insider added, and "I think it gets sorted out by the new person... We'll see what they say, and how Larkin feels."