​Detroit — With the stunning news Wednesday of Steve Yzerman stepping down as Red Wings’ general manager, the speculation now begins as to who will succeed Yzerman.There are several in house candidates — but also many around the NHL currently in front offices looking for an opportunity to lead an NHL team.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementIn Wednesday’s statement, the team said Yzerman will remain in his current role to facilitate the day-to-day of hockey operations in the short-term.Yzerman will serve in an advisory capacity on the search committee for a new hockey operations leader. The search committee will include Ryan Gustafson, Ilitch Sports and Entertainment president and chief executive officer, along with other leaders.It is a curious time to name a new GM. The NHL Entry Draft took place in late June, and unrestricted free agency began July 1, with rosters being filled out around the league and front offices being put together.The Wings also have the issue of captain Dylan Larkin asking for a trade, a development that may have triggered the eventual decision for Yzerman to step down.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThere is no immediate timetable to name a new Wings’ GM.Here are some top candidates, in alphabetical order:Sabres assistant coach Kevyn Adams talks to former Red Wing Thomas Vanek (26) on the bench during a game against the Islanders at the First Niagara Center.▶ Kevyn Adams, Boston Bruins, senior advisor: Adams was just named to his new role this week, so the timing may not work out. But Adams assembled the Buffalo Sabres’ roster that ended a 14-year playoff drought this season, winning the Atlantic Division. Ironically Adams was fired by Buffalo early in the season, then watched the roster come together and explode the remainder of the season.Kris Draper, the Detroit Red Wings’ director of amateur scouting/assistant general manager, watches the team’s development camp, at Little Caesars Arena, in Detroit, June 29, 2026.▶ Kris Draper, Red Wings director of amateur scouting, assistant GM: Draper has led the amateur scouting department since 2019 and was given an assistant GM title in 2023. A popular player with the Wings, a loyal member of the organization, it would be an easy transition to go with Draper.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement▶ Shawn Horcoff, Red Wings assistant GM: Horcoff has risen through the ranks with the Wings and has guided a successful operation in the minor-league affiliate Grand Rapids Griffins. Horcoff has been linked to several openings around the NHL. The question would be, do the Wings want a voice from the outside, or stay within the current front office?▶ Ryan Martin, New York Rangers assistant GM: Martin was an assistant under both Ken Holland and Yzerman with the Wings and is familiar with the organization. Martin oversaw a Grand Rapids team that won two AHL championships and has been a finalist for several GM openings. It’s only a matter of time Martin gets an NHL G