Yzerman's Successor Search Kicks Off - Aug. 9th, 2026

This Detroit Red Wings podcast digs into the GM & President of Hockey Operations search, from the outside firm running it to the candidates in play for Yzerman's seat. Hockeytown news & analysis also covers organizational paths, NHL expansion buzz, and more.

(00:00) - Intro & Announcements
WWP Night at the LCA dates announced! Get your tickets for the Nov. 21st game here:  wingedwheelpodcast.com/redwings

(04:30) - GM Search: Outside Firm
Chris Ilitch turns to an external search firm to find Steve Yzerman's replacement - why that signals a real front-office shakeup rather than an internal anointment, and what it means for Sean Horcoff's chances.

(13:20) - Autonomy and Making Detroit a Destination
Full hockey ops autonomy, vast resources, and the destination question. Can Detroit be a desired location for players again?

(27:10) - GM Candidates and Pro Scouting Fixes
Jeff Greenberg, Sam Ventura, Tyler Dellow, and the Tigers connection, plus why pro scouting might be the single most important department to overhaul. The Moneyball problem: right player archetype, wrong players.

(45:15) - Around the NHL: Expansion & Quinn Hughes
Houston looks like a layup, Atlanta is a bigger question, and Quinn Hughes remains unsigned - tinfoil hat theories included.

(55:05) - Overtime: Patron Questions
Option A or Option B for the next GM, Axel Sandin Pellikka's development, which prospects need to pop, and whether the March curse finally dies.

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Max Bultman's Article: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7479170/2026/07/30/red-wings-gm-steve-yzerman-candidates-search/