Major solution in the NHL – team legend sidelined

The Detroit Red Wings announced a significant change in their hockey leadership on Wednesday. Steve Yzerman is stepping down from his role as the team’s vice president and GM, but will continue in a new position within the organization.

Yzerman will now serve as a senior advisor to the team’s owner and CEO Chris Ilitch. The Red Wings will immediately begin the search for a new hockey executive.

During the transition period, Yzerman will continue in his current role to ensure a smooth handover of responsibilities. Additionally, he will participate in the search process for the new hockey executive in an advisory capacity.

– Steve has given more to the Red Wings over his lifetime than words can describe. I greatly appreciate his commitment to our organization. We are grateful for his work as GM, and we are happy that he will continue to be part of the Red Wings family, Ilitch said in the team’s statement.

Ilitch also noted that the team has not met the goals set for it.

– It is clear that as an organization, we are not where we should be according to our and our fans’ expectations. I look forward to getting new leadership to build the championship-level organization that Hockeytown deserves.

Yzerman thanked the Ilitch family for the opportunity to serve in the organization.

– I am sincerely grateful to Chris and the entire Ilitch family. This organization has provided me with incredible opportunities from my playing career to the privilege of returning as general manager. I have valued every experience over the years and am extremely proud to continue to be a part of this great organization.

Yzerman played his entire 22-year NHL career with the Detroit Red Wings. He won three Stanley Cups with the team and served as its captain for 20 years.

In 2019, Yzerman returned to the team as general manager, but during his tenure, the Red Wings were unable to return to the NHL playoffs.