The Detroit Red Wings have a lot of questions left to answer heading into the 2026-27 season as they continue to look for a long-term solution for their search to fill the top hockey operations shoes. Steve Yzerman retired in July as both the GM and executive vice president of the franchise and assumed a senior adviser role. It started CEO Chris Ilitch’s quest for new hockey leadership.
On September 15, Detroits got a decision-maker when they appointed interim GM Shawn Horcoff, with the rest of the process underway. Horcoff previously worked as an assistant general manager and as Grand Rapids”s head coach from 2002 to 2004, and will be responsible for all aspects of hockey operations and work with salaires during his tenure. Several candidates are still being considered for the open job, the organization states.
That begars several salient questions for Detroit. The Red Wings are also in a drought of 10 straight seasons since they have appeared in the Stanley Cup Finals while captain Dylan Larkin has called for a trade. Larkin also has an upper body injury that could affect him in the early stages of training camp, but is not scheduled for a return date.
For Detroit, the eventual decision on its hockey operations leadership could shape the organization’s direction beyond the upcoming season. The new general manager will inherit a roster that includes established veterans, younger players and several important contract decisions. Until that position is settled, the Red Wings must continue preparing for the season while balancing immediate roster needs with longer-term planning. The situation leaves players, coaches and supporters waiting for greater clarity about who will lead the next stage of the franchise.
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