Steve Yzerman steps back as Detroit Red Wings general manager

Detroit Red Wings owner Chris Illitch announced that Steve Yzerman is moving to an advisor role and will no longer serve as general manager.

Yzerman’s six-year record in Detroit

Yzerman assumed the general manager position in 2020. The Red Wings recorded zero playoff series wins across those six seasons. Illitch stated he would conduct both internal and external searches for the replacement.

The decision ends Yzerman’s direct control over roster construction. Anthony Mantha, a former Red Wings forward, recorded 33 goals and 31 assists in 2025-26 before signing elsewhere.

Detroit’s draft capital remained intact through the period. No major trades altered the core trajectory under Yzerman.

Immediate organizational response

Illitch confirmed the transition occurred on the morning of July 15. The club will evaluate candidates without an announced timeline.

Mantha signed a two-year contract with the New Jersey Devils at a $4.75 million cap hit. His 2026-27 breakdown included a $1 million salary plus $4.4 million signing bonus.

Other teams completed unrelated signings the same week. The Pittsburgh Penguins re-signed Nick Robertson to a two-year, $3.25 million cap hit deal.

Next steps for the franchise

The Red Wings retain all first-round picks from recent drafts. Yzerman’s advisory input will focus on long-term strategy rather than daily operations.

Winnipeg signed its 2026 eighth-overall pick Viggo Bjorck to a three-year entry-level contract carrying a $1.075 million cap hit. Similar entry-level pacts were signed by the Islanders at 13th overall and the Capitals at 18th overall.

Minnesota completed a three-year entry-level deal with its 137th-overall goaltender at a $987,500 cap hit. Fifteen players filed for salary arbitration league-wide with dates set through August 1.

Yzerman’s 2020-2026 rebuild produced 33 goals from Anthony Mantha in his final season before the July 15 transition to advisor.