Detroit Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman speaks to the media following their NHL hockey season (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)Detroit Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman stepped down as Executive Vice President and General Manager on Wednesday, ending his seven-year tenure leading hockey operations. The general manager has stepped down from his position but will remain with the franchise.According to reports, Yzerman will remain with the organization, serving as a senior advisor to the Governor and CEO, Chris Ilitch. With the transition in roles, the Red Wings announced that it has launched a search for a new head of hockey operations, with Yzerman staying on temporarily to ensure a smooth transition.Steve Yzerman steps down as Detroit Red Wings GM, transitioning to an advisory role at the franchiseSteve Yzerman has reportedly stepped down from his position as Detroit Red Wings’ General Manager and Executive Vice President on July 15, 2026. The move comes after a frustrating stretch for the organization, culminating in a nine-year playoff drought and amidst recent player tension and a trade request from captain Dylan Larkin. It is to be noted that the Red Wings' decade-long playoff drought is the longest in the storied history of the organization and the longest active in the NHL, and Yzerman has been associated with the team as the GM since 2019. Not only these, but the 61-year-old also played his entire NHL career with the Red Wings and helped the team win three Stanley Cups. Unfortunately, the team has never made the playoffs under his watch. Although he was unable to lead Detroit back to the playoffs as general manager, Yzerman will remain associated with the organization. While Yzerman is leaving his role as general manager, he will continue with the organization as senior advisor to Red Wings Governor and CEO Chris Ilitch.Speaking about his sudden role transition, Yzerman added, “This organization has given me incredible opportunities, from my time as a player to the privilege of returning as general manager”He further added, “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.” Acknowledging the support, the former GM further stated, “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.”In addition to this, Red Wings Governor and CEO Chris Ilitch suggested that he is looking forward to bringing new leadership to the club, “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,” he said.It is to be noted that the Detroit Red Wings finished the 2025-26 campaign with a 41-31-10 record, extending their postseason drought to 10 consecutive years, which is considered the longest active streak in the NHL. Though the change comes in a pivotal moment, reports also suggest that until a successor is appointed, Yzerman will continue to oversee as GM for now, looking after the day-to-day hockey operations while assisting with the leadership transition.