Yzerman Out as Red Wings GM, Larkin Trade Request Looms

Steve Yzerman is out as Detroit Red Wings general manager. The team announced Wednesday that Yzerman is transitioning from his role as executive vice president and general manager to senior adviser to governor and CEO Chris Ilitch. A search for a new head of hockey operations is underway, with both internal and external candidates under consideration.

The move comes after the Red Wings missed the playoffs for a 10th consecutive season, finishing 41-31-10 last year. Yzerman compiled a 224-251-59 record in seven seasons as Detroit's GM after being hired in April 2019.

Atop the new GM's to-do list will be handling captain Dylan Larkin's trade request. According to tsn.ca, news of Larkin's request became public in early June, with the center initially listing only Minnesota, Florida, and Vegas as acceptable destinations. Freep.com reports that Larkin has since expanded that list to include Dallas.

Larkin, who turns 30 on July 30, has five years remaining on an eight-year, $69.6 million contract that carries an $8.7 million cap hit. The Waterford, Michigan native scored a career-high 34 goals and posted 67 points in 74 games last season.

Yzerman had indicated he would not make a trade simply to appease Larkin. At last month's draft, he told reporters his job as manager "is always to do what is in the best interest of the Detroit Red Wings," according to nhl.com. Yzerman said he made no guarantees that Larkin's request would be met.

According to freep.com, the Wings are not looking for future assets in a Larkin trade. They want value-now players, specifically a top-line center, which has stalled negotiations.

Yzerman will remain in his current role to facilitate day-to-day hockey operations until his successor is named.