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Yzerman Steps Down, Larkin Demands Trade as Red Wings Rebuild

7/15/2026

50 9 Full Breakdown

Summary

Yzerman Steps Down

Steve Yzerman stepped down as Red Wings GM on July 15, 2026, became adviser to Chris Ilitch and began search for operations chief, naming Nicklas Lidstrom, Shawn Horcoff and Kris Draper.
Detroit’s playoff drought hit ten seasons, the longest active drought, while Dylan Larkin, 29, asked for a trade despite a no-trade clause.
Red Wings signed Viktor Arvidsson to a two-year, $10 million deal and Daniil Tarasov to a $2 million contract.

Summary

Yzerman’s Botched Rebuild

The Detroit Red Wings missed the playoffs in 2025-26, marking their tenth consecutive absence and the longest franchise drought.
Steve Yzerman returned to Detroit in 2019 as general manager after winning back-to-back Stanley Cups with Tampa Bay.
A segment of fans labeled his rebuilding “botched” despite his Hall of Fame legacy of 692 goals, 1,755 points and three Stanley Cups.

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Yzerman Steps Down

Steve Yzerman stepped down as Red Wings GM on July 15, 2026, became adviser to Chris Ilitch and began search for operations chief, naming Nicklas Lidstrom, Shawn Horcoff and Kris Draper.
Detroit’s playoff drought hit ten seasons, the longest active drought, while Dylan Larkin, 29, asked for a trade despite a no-trade clause.
Red Wings signed Viktor Arvidsson to a two-year, $10 million deal and Daniil Tarasov to a $2 million contract.

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