Steve Yzerman is out as Red Wings general manager.
The team announced Wednesday morning that Yzerman is stepping down as GM and a search has begun for a new head of hockey operations. Internal candidates, and others from outside the organization, will be considered.
The Wings said Yzerman will transition from his role as executive vice president and general manager and will continue to be part of the organization as a senior adviser to Chris Ilitch, the team’s governor and chief executive officer.
“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,” Ilitch said in a statement. “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.”
In a statement, Yzerman, 61, said, “I am sincerely grateful to Chris and the entire Ilitch family. This organization has given me incredible opportunities, from my time as a player to the privilege of returning as general manager. I’ve appreciated every experience throughout the years, and I’m extremely proud to remain part of this great franchise.
“My commitment to the Red Wings and this community will never waver, and I look forward to supporting the organization in whatever role is needed to achieve our collective goals.
“I want to thank our passionate fanbase for their support, as they are what makes Detroit and the entire state of Michigan a very special place in the hockey world.”
Yzerman will remain in his current role to facilitate the day-to-day of hockey operations during the transition, the Wings said in Wednesday’s announcement.
Yzerman will serve in an advisory capacity on the search committee for a new hockey operations leader. The search committee will include Ryan Gustafson, Ilitch Sports & Entertainment president and chief executive officer, among others.
“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.”
How this development will affect the future of captain Dylan Larkin remains to be seen. Larkin asked for a trade after this past season, with his sagging relationship with Yzerman a key reason.
The Red Wings haven’t made the playoffs since 2016, when they lost to Yzerman’s Tampa Bay Lightning in five games in the first round. Yzerman was general manager of the Tampa Bay Lightning from 2010-19, before returning to the Red Wings as general manager in April 2019.
Wednesday’s news comes after Yzerman oversaw last month’s NHL Entry Draft.
This is a developing story. Check back to detroitnews.com for updates.
tkulfan@detroitnews.com
@tkulfan
Tony Paul contributed to the story.
This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: Steve Yzerman out as GM: ‘We are not where we expect to be’
Reporting by Ted Kulfan, The Detroit News / The Detroit News
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By Ted Kulfan, The Detroit News | USA TODAY Network
