The shocking news that Steve Yzerman is out after seven years as general manager of the Detroit Red Wings has created a tsunami of questions.
And, so far, few answers as sides remain mum.
A quick recap of the events from the morning of Wednesday, July 15: Around 9 a.m., the team announced what they called a “leadership transition,” namely that Yzerman moved from his role as GM to a senior advisor. Ilitch thanked Yzerman for a “lifetime of contributions to the Red Wings has meant more to this franchise than words can truly express.”
Yzerman thanked the 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.”
Making it make sense
Many GMs would be on a hot seat for missing the playoffs, but Yzerman is something special to the franchise:
Why now?
If Wings owner Christopher Ilitch was upset with Yzerman, surely a change would have come three months ago. The timing of this indicates it was Yzerman’s decision to step down. He’s 61 and dealing with a team in turmoil. Will Yzerman’s move into the background lead to a change Dylan Larkin’s trade request? Because the next GM can’t afford to trade Larkin for pennies on the return any more than Yzerman could. The Wings need value-now players, players who can help them make the playoffs.
What’s next?
Yzerman’s assistant GMs are Kris Draper and Shawn Horcoff. Horcoff’s side has been dealing with the Grand Rapids Griffins, while Draper’s duties have been focused on amateur scouting.
There’s also Nicklas Lidstrom, who has served as a vice president of hockey operations − but he’s based in his homeland, Sweden.
The new GM has a formidable task. They must sort out the Larkin mess, make moves via trades that make the Wings look like a team capable of reaching the playoffs after a 10-year drought, and imbue excitement, like Yzerman did seven years ago.
Contact Helene St. James at Hstjames@freepress.com. Read more on the Detroit Red Wings and sign up for our Red Wings newsletter.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Why now? Who’s next? Making sense of the Detroit Red Wings’ situation
Reporting by Helene St. James, Detroit Free Press / Detroit Free Press
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Helene St. James, Detroit Free Press | USA TODAY Network
