Steve Yzerman Steps Down as Red Wings General Manager

Updated July 15, 2026, 9:29 a.m. ET

Picture: Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman answers questions during a press conference at Little Caesars Arena, in Detroit, April 29, 2025.

What Happened? (The Big News)

Steve Yzerman, who was the main boss of the Detroit Red Wings hockey team (we call that boss the "General Manager" or GM), is leaving that top job. He was also the team’s executive vice-president.

• The team told everyone on Wednesday morning (that’s July 15, 2026) that he is stepping down as GM.
• They have started looking for someone new to run the hockey operations (that means the part of the team that handles playing and players).
• They will look at people already working inside the team (internal candidates), and also people from outside the organization.

Important: Even though he is leaving the GM job, Yzerman is not leaving the team completely. He will become a "senior advisor" to Chris Ilitch, who is the big CEO and owner representative (governor) of the team.

Who Is Who? (Simple Explanations)

• General Manager (GM): Think of this person as the team’s "big planner" who decides which players to hire, trade, or let go.
• Executive Vice-President: A high-ranking title that means he was also a top leader in the business side of the team.
• Hockey Operations: All the behind-the-scenes work to make the team play well.
• Senior Advisor: Someone who gives advice but doesn’t make the final calls.
• Franchise: Another word for the whole team organization.
• Trade: When two teams swap players.
• Captain: The player who wears the "C" on his shirt and leads the team on the ice.
• Hockeytown: A nickname for Detroit because people there love hockey.

Why Is This Happening?

Chris Ilitch, the team’s CEO, said in a statement (we’ll show his words below) that the team isn’t doing as well as they and the fans expect. He wants new leadership to build a championship-winning team for Detroit, which is lovingly called "Hockeytown."

What Happens Next? (Step-by-Step)

Here’s the plan in simple numbered steps:

1. Yzerman stays for a short time in his current role to facilitate the day-to-day of hockey operations and ensure a seamless transition (no bumps during the change).
2. A search committee is formed to find a new hockey operations leader. This committee includes Ryan Gustafson (president and CEO of Ilitch Sports and Entertainment) and other leaders.
3. Yzerman helps as an advisor on that search committee to make sure they pick the right person.
4. A new GM is chosen from inside or outside the team.
5. Yzerman moves fully into his senior advisor role to Chris Ilitch.

Important: The goal is a "seamless transition," meaning things keep running smoothly while the new leader is found.

Quotes From the People Involved (In Their Own Words + Simple Talk)

Chris Ilitch said:

"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. We are thankful for Steve’s hard work and dedication as general manager and are grateful knowing Steve will remain where he belongs – here with the Red Wings family."

Simple version: Chris says Steve has done amazing things for the team for many years, and he’s thankful Steve will stay around as part of the family.

"Clearly, we are not where we and our fans expect to be as an organization. I’m looking forward to bringing in new leadership to build the championship-caliber organization Hockeytown deserves."

Simple version: Chris admits the team isn’t good enough right now, and he wants a new boss to make them winners for Detroit.

Steve Yzerman said:

"I am sincerely grateful to Chris and the entire Ilitch family. This organization has given me incredible opportunities, from my time as a player to the privilege of returning as general manager. I’ve appreciated every experience throughout the years, and I’m extremely proud to remain part of this great franchise."

Simple version: Steve thanks the owners for letting him play and later manage, and he’s happy to stay with the team.

"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. I want to thank our passionate fanbase for their support, as they are what makes Detroit and the entire state of Michigan a very special place in the hockey world."

Simple version: Steve promises he’ll always help the team and loves the fans in Michigan.

What About Captain Dylan Larkin?

Dylan Larkin is the team captain (the on-ice leader).

• After the last season, Larkin asked the team to trade him (send him to another team).
• A big reason was his friendship with Yzerman had gone sour ("sagging relationship").
• Now that Yzerman is stepping down, we don’t yet know if Larkin will still want to leave or stay.

Important: The future of Larkin is uncertain because of this change, and how it affects him remains to be seen.

Summary

To wrap it up in a nutshell:

• Steve Yzerman, the Red Wings’ GM and executive vice-president, is stepping down on July 15, 2026.
• He will stay as a senior advisor to CEO Chris Ilitch.
• The team will search for a new hockey boss (inside or outside candidates), with Yzerman helping advise on the committee that includes Ryan Gustafson.
• The team’s performance wasn’t meeting expectations, prompting the change.
• Captain Dylan Larkin had asked for a trade due to issues with Yzerman; what happens to him now is unknown.
• Yzerman thanks fans and stays with the franchise in a new helping role.

FAQ (Questions You Might Have)

1. Who is Steve Yzerman?
He is a famous former player who later became the General Manager and executive vice-president of the Detroit Red Wings. He’s been with the team for a long time in different roles.

2. What does a General Manager (GM) do in hockey?
The GM is like the team’s main decision-maker for hockey stuff: picking players, making trades, hiring coaches, and running hockey operations.

3. Will Steve Yzerman leave the Red Wings completely?
No. He will become a senior advisor to the CEO, meaning he’ll still give advice and support but won’t run the daily operations.

4. What is a "trade" and why did Larkin want one?
A trade is when teams swap players. Larkin, the captain, asked to be traded after the season because his relationship with Yzerman was not good.

5. What is "Hockeytown"?
It’s a nickname for Detroit, because people there love hockey a lot. The team wants to make a championship team for that city.