Detroit Red Wings’ Steve Yzerman Steps Down as Vice President and GM (featured)

On Wednesday, the Detroit Red Wings announced that Steve Yzerman is stepping down as the organization’s executive vice president and general manager.

Yzerman will remain with the organization, transitioning into a new role as a senior advisor to team Governor and CEO Chris Ilitch. While the Red Wings have immediately launched a search for a new head of hockey operations, Yzerman will continue overseeing day-to-day operations to ensure a seamless transition until his successor is named.

“I am sincerely grateful to Chris and the entire Ilitch family,” Yzerman said in a release. “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.”

Despite steadily improving the team's point percentage over several seasons, the Red Wings collapsed down the stretch in each of the past three years. Detroit finished the 2025-26 campaign with a 41-31-10 record. Yzerman was hired as the team’s EVP and GM in the summer of 2019, after spending the previous nine seasons with the Tampa Bay Lightning, building that team into a consistent postseason contender. 


Yzerman’s legacy as an executive in Detroit has certainly clouded what a memorable playing career was. He brought the “Dead Wings” back to life in the ’80s, captaining the team to three Stanley Cups, ending a 42-year drought in 1997.

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