Steve Yzerman and Todd McLellan are entering a new Detroit era, with Yzerman reportedly losing his influence over hockey operations.
Elliotte Friedman reports the Red Wings are making one point clear to candidates in their general manager search: the next person hired will have autonomy.
That provides an important clarification about Yzerman's future. Detroit initially announced that its former general manager would remain with the organization in an advisory capacity.
Friedman says candidates are being told that advisory role won't extend into hockey operations. In other words, the new GM isn't expected to make decisions with Yzerman looking over his shoulder.
That's a significant change for an executive who had controlled Detroit's hockey direction for 7 seasons. His connection to the franchise made his removal from the GM position one of the summer's biggest organizational moves.
The timing also matters because Detroit finished 41-31-10 with 92 points last season and missed the playoffs again. The Red Wings scored 241 goals while allowing 258.
" The way I understand it is... the Red Wings are very serious about making sure that candidates know that they will have autonomy," revealed Friedman. "Initially the announcement talked about how Steve Yzerman might have a role going forward, that's not gonna be the case in terms of hockey operations.
Some people I spoke to interpreted that to mean that Steve Yzerman will still have a role in hockey operations, that's not going to be the case."
Red Wings strip Steve Yzerman of power in major front-office shakeup
Removing uncertainty around Yzerman could make the job more attractive. A new executive won't have to wonder whether a franchise icon still has final influence over trades, contracts or roster construction.
That freedom will matter immediately because Dylan Larkin's future remains unresolved. Yzerman previously confirmed that Detroit's captain requested a trade after the season.
Larkin produced 34 goals and 67 points in 74 games, leaving the next management group with a massive decision involving Detroit's established top center.
The Red Wings can't treat that decision like ordinary summer housekeeping. Moving Larkin would reshape McLellan's top six and force the new front office to determine whether Detroit is still pushing forward or changing direction.
Friedman's clarification also removes the possibility of an awkward two-boss structure. Candidates can evaluate the position knowing they aren't being hired simply to execute decisions shaped by Yzerman from another office.
For Yzerman, that makes the new role much different from what some initially expected. He may remain connected to the franchise, but the hockey department is being prepared for somebody else's vision.
Detroit wanted change after another season outside the postseason, and this goes deeper than changing the name on the GM's door. The next executive is being offered the authority to make the Red Wings his own.
Source : Steve Yzerman takes another hit as insider shares details on Red Wings GM search.
Is Detroit right to remove Steve Yzerman completely from hockey decisions?
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