Red Wings Lose Key Candidate in Search for Yzerman’s Successor

In a significant shift for the Detroit Red Wings, the organization is navigating a leadership transition nearly three weeks after announcing that Steve Yzerman would step down from his role as General Manager. On July 15, the Red Wings confirmed that Yzerman will take on a senior advisor position to Governor and CEO Chris Ilitch while continuing to oversee day-to-day hockey operations during this transition period.

While the Red Wings have stated they will consider both internal and external candidates for the General Manager position, they have not publicly disclosed any specific names involved in the search. However, the potential pool of candidates has already shrunk, as Evan Gold, previously considered a strong contender, is no longer available.

Gold, who spent the last 12 years with the Boston Bruins, has been appointed as the new Assistant General Manager of the New York Islanders. In addition to this role, he will serve as the General Manager of the Islanders’ American Hockey League affiliate, the Hamilton Hammers. The Islanders announced his hiring, noting that Gold will be involved in all aspects of the club’s hockey operations under Mathieu Darche.

During his time with the Bruins, Gold was instrumental as the Assistant General Manager since 2019, overseeing the Providence Bruins, who recorded the best AHL record in the 2025-26 season. His expertise spanned various areas, including cap management, contract negotiations, roster strategies, arbitration preparations, CBA matters, and professional scouting.

For the Red Wings, potential internal candidates to fill Yzerman’s shoes include Assistant GM Shawn Horcoff and Kris Draper, who serves as both Assistant GM and Director of Amateur Scouting. Externally, names like Dallas Stars Assistant GM Scott White and New York Rangers Associate GM Ryan Martin have emerged as possible contenders.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.