RED WINGS
Candidates to replace Yzerman as Red Wings’ GM
Ted KulfanThe Detroit News
Updated July 15, 2026, 9:01 p.m. ET
View Comments
Detroit — With the stunning news Wednesday of Steve Yzerman stepping down as Red Wings’ general manager, the speculation now begins as to who will succeed Yzerman
There are several in house candidates — but also many around the NHL currently in front offices looking for an opportunity to lead an NHL team
In Wednesday’s statement, the team said Yzerman will remain in his current role to facilitate the day-to-day of hockey operations in the short-term
Yzerman will serve in an advisory capacity on the search committee for a new hockey operations leader. The search committee will include Ryan Gustafson, Ilitch Sports and Entertainment president and chief executive officer, along with other leaders
It is a curious time to name a new GM. The NHL Entry Draft took place in late June, and unrestricted free agency began July 1, with rosters being filled out around the league and front offices being put together
The Wings also have the issue of captain Dylan Larkin asking for a trade, a development that may have triggered the eventual decision for Yzerman to step down
There is no immediate timetable to name a new Wings’ GM
Here are some top candidates, in alphabetical order:
▶ Kevyn Adams, Boston Bruins, senior advisor: Adams was just named to his new role this week, so the timing may not work out. But Adams assembled the Buffalo Sabres’ roster that ended a 14-year playoff drought this season, winning the Atlantic Division. Ironically Adams was fired by Buffalo early in the season, then watched the roster come together and explode the remainder of the season
▶ Kris Draper, Red Wings director of amateur scouting, assistant GM: Draper has led the amateur scouting department since 2019 and was given an assistant GM title in 2023. A popular player with the Wings, a loyal member of the organization, it would be an easy transition to go with Draper
▶ Shawn Horcoff, Red Wings assistant GM: Horcoff has risen through the ranks with the Wings and has guided a successful operation in the minor-league affiliate Grand Rapids Griffins. Horcoff has been linked to several openings around the NHL. The question would be, do the Wings want a voice from the outside, or stay within the current front office?
▶ Ryan Martin, New York Rangers assistant GM: Martin was an assistant under both Ken Holland and Yzerman with the Wings and is familiar with the organization. Martin oversaw a Grand Rapids team that won two AHL championships and has been a finalist for several GM openings. It’s only a matter of time Martin gets an NHL GM position
▶Brandon Pridham, Pittsburgh Penguins, hockey operations consultant: Pridham was just hired by the Penguins earlier this week, by his friend GM Kyle Dubas, so the timing may not work out. Pridham is great with the salary cap, has worked under several management styles in Toronto, and has good relationships with agents and players around the NHL
▶Jason Spezza, Pittsburgh assistant GM: The long-time player is also part of the current, deep Penguins front office and has long been rumored for jobs around the NHL. Spezza was directly involved in personnel decisions in Toronto and has worked on Team Canada rosters
@tkulfan
