Detroit Red Wings Initiate Leadership Transition, Moving Steve Yzerman to Senior Advisor Role

On Wednesday, the Detroit Red Wings disclosed that Steve Yzerman will step down as Executive Vice President and General Manager and assume a senior-advisor position reporting to Governor and CEO Chris Ilitch. The organization has launched a search for a new head of hockey operations, with both internal and external candidates to be considered. Yzerman will remain responsible for day-to-day hockey operations during the transition and will serve on the search committee alongside Ilitch, Sports + Entertainment President & CEO Ryan Gustafson, and other senior leaders.

Red Wings announce leadership transitionWJBK - Fox 2 - Detroit

Yzerman spent his entire 22-year playing career with Detroit, captaining the team for two decades, winning three Stanley Cups, and retiring in 2006 with 692 goals and 1,755 points. He later served as the Red Wings’ Vice President of Hockey Operations (2006-10) before joining the Tampa Bay Lightning (2010-19), where the franchise captured back-to-back Stanley Cups in 2020 and 2021. Returning to Detroit in 2019, Yzerman became the franchise’s 11th general manager and is one of nine Red Wings to have his number retired.

WJBK - Fox 2 - DetroitRed Wings announce leadership transition

The 2023-24 season marked the Red Wings’ 10th consecutive year missing the NHL playoffs, extending the longest active playoff drought in the league. Management acknowledged that the organization “is not where we and our fans expect to be,” underscoring the urgency of new leadership to restore “championship-caliber” performance.

WJBK - Fox 2 - Detroit

Chris Ilitch praised Yzerman’s “lifetime of contributions” and expressed confidence that Yzerman’s continued involvement will benefit the franchise. Ilitch also emphasized the need for fresh leadership to meet fan expectations. Yzerman thanked the Ilitch family for the opportunities afforded to him, reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to the Red Wings and the Detroit community, and pledged to support the organization in any capacity required to achieve collective goals.

Red Wings announce leadership transition

• “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,” — Chris Ilitch, Governor and CEO

Red Wings announce leadership transition

• “Clearly, we are not where we and our fans expect to be as an organization” — Chris Ilitch, Governor and CEO

Red Wings announce leadership transition

• “I am sincerely grateful to Chris and the entire Ilitch family,” — Steve Yzerman, Senior Advisor

Red Wings announce leadership transition

• “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,” — Steve Yzerman, Senior Advisor

Red Wings announce leadership transition