Red Wings name Shawn Horcoff interim GM
A not-so-surprising move in Hockeytown.
On Tuesday, the Detroit Red Wings announced that they have named Shawn Horcoff interim general manager.
In a statement, Red Wings CEO and Governor Chris Ilitch stated that Horcoff is the right person for the job, though the team is still searching for a permanent replacement.
“As our process continues to find the best possible leader for Red Wings hockey operations, I’m appreciative of Shawn for stepping up to serve in this capacity,” Ilitch said. “His knowledge of our organization and range of experience allows us to operate with a clear decision-maker in place for the season ahead, while maintaining our commitment to carry out a thorough, methodical search process on our own timeline. Shawn has my complete support, and the authority to make decisions in the best interests of our organization.”
The GM position opened after Steve Yzerman stepped down in mid-July to become a senior advisor to Ilitch. Horcoff took over day-to-day operations, but was reportedly prohibited from making any notable moves.
Ilitch added that the Red Wings have received many inquiries about the GM position, including Horcoff.
“Our search has attracted significant interest in the head of hockey operations position from respected leaders across the industry, and several of those candidates, including Shawn, remain under consideration for the permanent role. Identifying and hiring the right leader is essential to our franchise’s future, and we remain committed to being deliberate and thorough in this process. We’re grateful for our players, staff, and fans for their support as we work toward this pivotal hire.”
Horcoff certainly has experience in the organization. He had been an assistant GM, as well as GM of the American Hockey League’s Grand Rapids Griffins, since February 2022. He’s helped grow the Red Wings’ prospect pool in Grand Rapids, with the Griffins making the Calder Cup Playoffs each of the past three seasons, graduating players like Simon Edvinsson, Albert Johansson, Axel Sandin-Pellikka and Marco Kasper to the NHL.
With Horcoff given the reins, the Red Wings can do some considerable business. A lot has been made about Edvinsson’s lack of a contract, with reports stating that the player was waiting to see how the GM situation would work out prior to putting pen to paper on a new deal. There’s also the ever-looming cloud of Dylan Larkin’s trade request. The Michigander made the request following another disappointing season in the Motor City, and though a deal hasn’t been made yet (and possibly not at all), Larkin had his captaincy stripped last week.
