Red Wings GM Search Opens With Flexible Structure Options

After seven seasons without a playoff appearance the Detroit Red Wings announced Steve Yzerman’s transition on July 15, opening a wide-ranging search for his successor.

Open Mind on Structure and Candidates

The 2025-26 Red Wings finished with a 41-31-10 record for 92 points yet placed sixth in the Atlantic Division and missed the playoffs for the tenth consecutive season. Elliotte Friedman noted on NHL Network that the organization enters the process with no preconceived notions about whether to retain a single president-GM role or adopt a two-person president and separate GM model. Friedman stated the team will cast a wide net and evaluate internal options such as Kris Draper and Shawn Horcoff alongside external candidates before building the structure around the chosen individual or individuals.

This flexibility mirrors the approach Nashville employed until identifying the right person, allowing the Red Wings to avoid locking into one model prematurely. Internal candidates bring familiarity with the organization’s current roster that produced 239 goals for and 254 goals against last season. External voices could introduce fresh evaluation methods to address the -0.16 SRS that left the club just outside postseason qualification.

Coveted Position Despite Recent Results

Little Caesars Arena seats 19,515 for hockey and offers resources that make the role attractive even after seven seasons of missing the playoffs under Yzerman. Friedman emphasized that the Red Wings remain one of the league’s storied franchises with substantial interest expected from candidates including Brendan Shanahan, Ryan Martin, Marc Bergevin and Jim Nill. The search will also examine rising executives such as Evan Gold, Brett Petersen, Darren Yorke, Sam Ventura, Brandon Pridham, Josh Flynn and Tim Barnes.

Billy Jaffe observed that the team might initially explore outside hires before settling on structure. Friedman agreed the position will draw a large pool because ownership demonstrates willingness to listen and adapt around the selected leader rather than forcing a predetermined hierarchy. This process contrasts with more rigid searches that limit options and delay decisions.

The announcement timing surprised many yet aligns with the club’s need to accelerate roster improvements following the 41-31-10 campaign that ended with elimination on April 11. Both internal and external names will receive equal consideration according to official statements from the club.

The Red Wings will zero in on the right person or people and then construct the front office accordingly, ensuring the chosen structure supports long-term success rather than constraining it.