​Why Steve Yzerman is stepping down as Red Wings GM originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.Steve Yzerman has been at the front of the Detroit Red Wings’ decision-making this offseason.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementNot anymore, though — in a shocking change, Yzerman is stepping down.The Red Wings shared the news Wednesday morning that Yzerman will no longer be their executive vice president and GM. He will now be in a senior advisory role.”I am sincerely grateful to Chris and the entire Ilitch family,” Yzerman said in a statement. “This organization has given me incredible opportunities, from my time as a player to the privilege of returning as GM. I’ve appreciated every experience throughout the years, and I’m extremely proud to remain part of this great franchise.”Yzerman was a Hall of Famer on the ice for Detroit with three Stanley Cups and 1,755 points.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementHe had a successful run with the Tampa Bay Lightning, but it hasn’t continued in Detroit.MORE:How a 3-team Dylan Larkin, Jason Robertson trade could workWhile it hasn’t been explicitly said anywhere, it likely was simply time for a change in Detroit.The Red Wings haven’t made the playoffs in the seven seasons Yzerman has been in charge.”Yzerman swung and missed on attempts to acquire star players when they were available, such as former University of Michigan defenseman Quinn Hughes last season,” ESPN’s Greg Wyshinski wrote on Wednesday. “Things went from bad to worse for Detroit in this offseason, as star captain Dylan Larkin’s trade request went public. The 29-year-old center grew up a Red Wings fan and has a contract that runs through the 2030-31 season. Armed with a no-trade clause, Larkin had provided Yzerman with a short list of possible trade destinations. ESPN’s Emily Kaplan reported that issues between Larkin and Detroit management have been brewing a while, dating back at least to testy contract negotiations in 2023.”AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementESPN names three potential candidates to take over for Yzerman: Nicklas Lidstrom, Shawn Horcoff and Kris Draper.Whoever gets this gig will have a lot of work to do.7-foot-1 draft pick is impossibly tallCale Makar is about to become a lot more expensiveSidney Crosby trade plans did a 180 for the PenguinsIt’s time to ask a serious Matthew Knies questionOilers’ Frederik Andersen signing is a massive bargain