Jul 16, 2026
This (EMERGENCY) Detroit Red Wings podcast breaks down the stunning news that Steve Yzerman is out as general manager in Detroit. Hockeytown news & analysis covers what this means for the Dylan Larkin trade request, the search for a new head of hockey operations, & who Chris Ilitch will choose to take over for Yzerman.
(00:00) - Intro & Behind The Scenes
An emergency episode as the news drops: Yzerman transitions to
senior advisor and Chris Ilitch begins the search for new hockey
ops leadership. We read between the lines on the announcement and
why the timing in mid-July is so strange.
(05:15) - YZERMAN OUT.
Yzerman transitions to senior advisor and Chris Ilitch begins the
search for new hockey ops leadership. We read between the lines on
the announcement and why the timing in mid-July is so strange.
(16:20) - Was It Deserved?
The full tenure review: home-run drafting at the top, phenomenal
contracts for the core, but pro scouting misses, self-inflicted
wounds, and a philosophy that never adapted.
(31:25) - Who Replaces Yzerman?
Internal options versus an outside hire, the president of hockey
ops question, the Eric Tulsky pipe dream, and the names being
floated around the league. Ventura, Peterson, Yorke, or others?
(53:00) - Larkin, Edvinsson & DeBrincat
Does the change alter Larkin's trade request? Simon Edvinsson
remains unsigned and exposed to an offer sheet. Meanwhile, Alex
DeBrincat's future is completely up in the air with no GM to
negotiate. Also, is Todd McLellan safe?
(1:09:00) - First Moves for the New GM
Sign the RFA, get clarity on the roster, and start the reset - why
the next hire has to be bold from day one.
(1:15:20) - Overtime
Your questions on Nicklas Lidstrom as a candidate, Yzerman's
emotional high point, and how Ilitch ownership factors in.
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