The Detroit Red Wings announced Wednesday that Steve Yzerman will no longer serve as the team's general manager and executive vice president, transitioning instead to a senior adviser role to CEO Chris Ilitch.
"Steve's lifetime of contributions to the Red Wings has meant more to this franchise than words can truly express, and I have the highest level of respect for his continued commitment to our organization," Ilitch said in a statement. "We are thankful for Steve's hard work and dedication as general manager and are grateful knowing Steve will remain where he belongs - here with the Red Wings family."
Ilitch will lead the search for a new head of hockey operations. Yzerman, who was hired to lead the Red Wings' front office in 2019, will remain in his role until a replacement is named.
Detroit has failed to qualify for the playoffs for 10 consecutive seasons, the NHL's longest active postseason drought.
"Clearly, we are not where we and our fans expect to be as an organization," said Ilitch. "I'm looking forward to bringing in new leadership to build the championship-caliber organization Hockeytown deserves."
Yzerman won three Stanley Cups as a member of the Red Wings during his 22-year playing career. He joined Detroit's front office as a vice president of hockey operations after he retired. He then spent time as the Tampa Bay Lightning general manager before rejoining the Red Wings.
