Red Wings’ Top 10 Candidates to Replace Steve Yzerman as General Manager

It’s fair to say that Steve Yzerman is leaving the Detroit Red Wings in a stronger position than the one he inherited in 2019. During his tenure, the organization assembled a promising young core, rebuilt its prospect pipeline, and established a foundation that should support long-term success.

With cornerstone players such as Moritz Seider, Lucas Raymond, Simon Edvinsson, and a wave of emerging talent already in place, the franchise’s next GM won’t be starting from scratch. Instead, they’ll be tasked with getting over the hump – with or without Dylan Larkin.

The Red Wings previously announced that their search for Yzerman’s successor would begin immediately and, from what I’ve heard, the interview process is already underway. With that in mind, here are my top 10 candidates to become Detroit’s next GM.

Shawn Horcoff

Current Role: Red Wings Assistant General Manager

Rationale: Horcoff is the leading internal candidate to replace Yzerman. He joined the Red Wings in 2016 and has served as general manager of the Grand Rapids Griffins since 2022. Horcoff knows the organization inside and out – players, prospects, strengths, weaknesses, everything. There’s value to that – having historical knowledge and being able to provide a fresh perspective on how to manage the team. 

Kris Draper

Current Role: Red Wings Assistant General Manager & Director of Amateur Scouting

Rationale: Draper carried his grinding trait off the ice and into the front office, becoming a hard-working team executive after joining the front office in 2011. While there’s value in his scouting background, Draper has never built a team, and would benefit from an arrangement involving an experienced president of hockey operations there to show him the ropes. 

Nicklas Lidstrom

Current Role: Red Wings Vice President of Hockey Operations

Rationale: Thoughtful and analytical, Lidstrom has been involved in Detroit’s hockey operations since 2022, though in a non-specialized role. That broad experience would serve him well if named GM. Plus, you don’t come out of retirement to become a vice president if you don’t have greater ambitions for the future. 

Ryan Martin

Current Role: New York Rangers Associate General Manager

Rationale: A former assistant GM in Detroit, Martin possesses one of the most complete executive resumes among first-time NHL general manager candidates, including involvement in amateur scouting, player development, AHL operations, salary cap management, and contract negotiations. Martin has interviewed for multiple GM openings – clearly there’s confidence that he possesses the organizational leadership and operational expertise necessary to run a franchise.

Scott White

Current Role: Dallas Stars Assistant General Manager

Rationale: White has played an integral role in building one of the NHL’s premier player development systems with the Dallas Stars. Working alongside Jim Nill, he has helped oversee an organization that consistently identifies and develops impact players despite drafting late in the first round. White’s experience spans amateur scouting, player development, and hockey operations, making him an attractive candidate for organizations seeking a modern executive capable of building long-term success through drafting, development, and organizational depth. An endorsement from Nill would carry a lot of weight in the Red Wings organization, too.

Darren Yorke

Current Role: Carolina Hurricanes Associate General Manager

Rationale: Yorke has quietly established himself as one of the NHL’s most respected evaluators during his tenure with the Hurricanes. He has played an important role in scouting, player evaluation, and organizational planning within one of the league’s most progressive front offices. Yorke’s experience working in a collaborative environment could make him an attractive fit for a Red Wings organization looking to broaden its decision-making process. While he has maintained a relatively low public profile, those around the league view him as a rising executive capable of leading an NHL front office.

Brett Peterson

Current Role: Florida Panthers Assistant General Manager

Rationale: As a high-ranking executive in Bill Zito’s hockey operations staff, Peterson could bring championship pedigree to Detroit. He joined the Panthers in 2020 after serving as a player agent for over a decade. He also served as general manager of the United States at the 2024 and 2026 IIHF World Championships and was assistant GM of the 2025 team that won gold, demonstrating his ability to lead player selection and roster construction. Peterson can offer a modern blend of hockey knowledge, cap expertise, negotiation skills, and organizational leadership that would greatly benefit the Red Wings.

Jason Spezza

Current Role: Pittsburgh Penguins Assistant General Manager

Rationale: Spezza has quickly emerged as one of hockey’s fastest-rising executives since retiring as a player. As assistant general manager of the Pittsburgh Penguins, following a front-office role in Toronto, Spezza has earned praise for combining a recent player’s perspective with progressive ideas about roster construction, player development, and organizational culture. His ability to relate to players while embracing modern management principles makes him an intriguing candidate for a Red Wings organization seeking fresh leadership.

Pat Brisson

Current Role: CAA Sports Co-Founder & Agent

Rationale: Dylan Larkin’s agent could bring an uncommon, but potentially transformative perspective to Detroit. As one of hockey’s most accomplished player agents, Brisson has negotiated billions of dollars in NHL contracts and developed an unmatched understanding of salary cap strategy, contract structure, and player valuation. His extensive relationships throughout the league provide valuable insight into organizational philosophies and market dynamics. Although he lacks traditional front office experience, Brisson’s strategic thinking, business acumen, and deep knowledge of the league could provide a significant competitive advantage for the Red Wings.

Kevin Weekes

Current Role: NHL Analyst & Broadcaster

Rationale: As a former NHL player and longtime broadcaster, Weekes has developed deep relationships with executives, agents, coaches, and players across the league, giving him a comprehensive understanding of organizational best practices and league-wide trends. He has interviewed for executive positions previously, signaling confidence that his leadership, strategic vision, and collaborative approach could successfully translate into a front office. Like Draper, Weekes could thrive if paired with an experienced president of hockey operations.

Final Word

Although several teams have already filled their GM vacancies, the Red Wings still have no shortage of qualified candidates to evaluate. Each of these 10 individuals brings a distinct blend of leadership, roster-building expertise, player evaluation, and front office experience that could position Detroit for long-term success.

In my opinion, Horcoff has the best odds of succeeding Steve Yzerman. Still, there is a compelling argument to be made for looking outside the organization. Chris Ilitch did just that with the Detroit Tigers when he hired Scott Harris and Jeff Greenberg to reshape the club’s baseball operations. If the Red Wings are intent on modernizing their hockey operations while taking the next step toward sustained contention, an external hire deserves serious consideration.