End of an Era: Detroit Red Wings Announce Shocking Front Office Shakeup with Steve Yzerman

One of my favorite memories from being a kid is when my dad would take my brother Bob and me to a Detroit Red Wings game at the old Joe Louis Arena.

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The excitement would build as we made the hour drive from Howell to Detroit.

When we arrived we were so excited to split a Little Caesars Hot-N-Ready along with some pop.

We would then make our way to our seats and watched with delight when the players came out on the ice and started doing their warm-ups.

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This was back in 1997 and 1998 when the Detroit Red Wings won back to back Stanley Cups.

The Red Wings had so many legendary players on that team, but one of our favorites was the captain, #19 Steve Yzerman.

During his time as a player, Yzerman was a captain for 20 seasons, helping lead the Red Wings to 3 Stanley Cup championships.

After his time as a player, Yzerman worked in the Detroit Red Wings front office. He then took an opportunity to be a GM with the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Then in 2019 he came back home to Detroit to become the Red Wings Executive Vice President and General Manager.

The goal was for Yzerman to help bring the Stanley Cup back to Detroit but unfortunately that never happened.

The Red Wings have not made the playoffs in 10 years, the past 7 he's been the GM.

A lot of fans were unhappy that Yzerman never seemed to make a move before the trade deadline to get players that might help the team get over the hump and back into the playoffs.

Earlier this morning the Red Wings put out a press release announcing a change in hockey operations leadership, with Steve Yzerman transitioning from his role as Executive Vice President and General Manager.

Yzerman will continue serving the organization as senior advisor to Governor and 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. 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.” - Chris Ilitch

It's hard to get rid of someone that is an iconic part of the team but I understand it's something that needed to happen.

I feel bummed just like I did when the Detroit Tigers hired Alan Trammell as manager for three seasons, from 2003 through 2005.

During that short time he wasn't able to get the results the Tigers needed so he was replaced by Jim Leyland who led the Tigers all the way to the World Series, coming up just short.

Hopefully that will be the same case for whoever the Red Wings hire as the team's next GM and leads the team to a playoff birth for the first time in over 10 years.

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