Steve Yzerman Steps Down as Detroit Red Wings General Manager After Seven Playoff-less Seasons

Steve Yzerman stepped down as general manager of the Detroit Red Wings on Wednesday after seven seasons. The team said Yzerman will continue with the organization as senior advisor to governor and CEO Chris Ilitch. Detroit is searching for a new head of hockey operations.

"I am sincerely grateful to Chris and the entire Ilitch family," Yzerman said in a statement. "This organization has given me incredible opportunities, from my time as a player to the privilege of returning as GM. " Yzerman had a Hall of Fame career as a center for the Red Wings, retiring in 2006 with 692 goals, 1,755 points and three Stanley Cup wins.

He captained the team for two decades and is one of nine Red Wings to have his number retired. After joining Detroit's front office in 2006, Yzerman became general manager of the Tampa Bay Lightning in May 2010. He won NHL general manager of the year in 2015, the same season the Lightning reached the Stanley Cup Final.

Yzerman returned to Detroit in 2019. The Red Wings had missed the playoffs for three straight seasons when Yzerman was hired. They did not reach the postseason in any of his seven seasons as general manager.

Star captain Dylan Larkin's trade request became public during the offseason. The 29-year-old center, under contract through the 2030-31 season, provided a short list of destinations. On June 27, Yzerman said his job was to act in the best interest of the Red Wings and that he made no guarantees Larkin's request would be met.

"Clearly, we are not where we and our fans expect to be as an organization," Ilitch said in a statement. " Ilitch will lead the search for the new leader of hockey operations, considering both internal and external candidates. Internal candidates include Nicklas Lidstrom, Shawn Horcoff and Kris Draper.

Yzerman will remain in his current role to handle day-to-day tasks until a successor is named and will serve in an advisory capacity on the search committee, which also includes Ilitch Sports + Entertainment President and CEO Ryan Gustafson.