DETROIT — The Detroit Red Wings are searching for a new general manager as owner Chris Ilitch has not appointed a successor to Steve Yzerman. Yzerman is transitioning into an advisory role with the organization while continuing to oversee daily hockey operations during the transition period.

Detroit Tigers general manager Jeff Greenberg is being considered for a leadership role within the Red Wings organization. NHL insider Elliotte Friedman reported that Greenberg's name was introduced during discussions about the team's approach to replacing Yzerman. According to Friedman, Greenberg was not necessarily the favorite, but the Tigers executive could become a factor if he wanted the job.

Greenberg is currently the general manager of the Detroit Tigers and played club hockey at the University of Pennsylvania. He served as associate general manager of the Chicago Blackhawks during the 2022-23 season. The Red Wings hired TurnkeyZRG, a search firm, to assist in identifying their next general manager, marking a departure from traditional NHL hiring practices that typically rely on internal evaluations or industry networks.

NHL.com confirmed that the organization is considering both internal and external candidates for its next hockey leader. Assistant general manager Shawn Horcoff and Kris Draper have been identified as possible internal candidates for the position. A report from the Free Press stated that the Red Wings may consider splitting general manager responsibilities between two executives, with one focusing on analytics and the other on player personnel.

Friedman reported that the Red Wings are telling potential general manager candidates that the organization will supply whatever resources are needed. This restructuring occurs as the team faces significant roster decisions, including the situation involving captain Dylan Larkin. Larkin reportedly requested a trade after the team missed the playoffs for a 10th consecutive season, which is the longest active drought in the NHL. Larkin holds a no-trade clause in his contract, and Alex DeBrincat is approaching the final season of his contract with the team.

A Free Press report claimed that Yzerman struggled to explain hockey decisions in the analytical language preferred by Ilitch. A source cited by the Free Press also reported that Ilitch's hesitation contributed to the Red Wings missing out on signing Steven Stamkos during the 2024 offseason. Another report claimed that assistant general manager Shawn Horcoff negotiated a deal with Anthony Mantha that collapsed while Ilitch considered approving it.

The Detroit Red Wings have not publicly confirmed reports regarding Ilitch's involvement in the Steven Stamkos or Anthony Mantha negotiations. Steven Stamkos has not publicly confirmed reports regarding Ilitch's involvement in his potential signing with the team. Anthony Mantha has not publicly confirmed reports regarding Ilitch's involvement in his potential return to the Red Wings.

TurnkeyZRG has previously worked with major sports organizations, including the NFL’s Los Angeles Rams and MLB’s Cleveland Guardians, in executive searches. The firm specializes in identifying leadership talent across professional sports, technology, and entertainment sectors. The Red Wings’ decision to use an external search firm reflects a broader trend among sports franchises to apply corporate-style hiring practices to hockey operations.

Yzerman, a Hall of Fame player and former general manager of the Tampa Bay Lightning, returned to the Red Wings in 2019 to lead hockey operations. Under his leadership, the team has undergone a rebuilding phase, drafting high-potential players such as Lucas Raymond and Moritz Seider. Despite on-ice development, the team has not advanced past the regular season in his tenure.

The Red Wings’ playoff drought, now in its tenth year, is the longest in franchise history. The team last qualified for the postseason in 2015-16. The extended absence from the playoffs has intensified scrutiny on the front office and ownership’s role in hockey decisions.