The Detroit Red Wings have named Shawn Horcoff interim general manager while the search continues for a permanent replacement for Steve Yzerman.
The team announced the news on Tuesday, Sept. 15, two days before training camp is schedule to start at Little Caesars Arena. Horcoff, 47, has spent six seasons as the team's director of player development and three seasons as assistant director of player personnel. He has been handling daily general manager duties since Steve Yzerman vacated the position in mid-July.
“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,” Red Wings governor and CEO Chris Ilitch said in a statement. “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."
Most immediately, Horcoff is on the clock to get restricted free agent defenseman Simon Edvinsson signed to a new contract. If it's done by the end of day on Sept. 15, there's still a chance for an eight-year deal; after that, teams are limited to signing their own players for seven years.
The team also announced Yzerman will officially transition to his new role of senior advisor to Ilitch.
Horcoff presents the smoothest way forward as Ilitch and his inner circle search for new leadership to guide a team that has missed the playoffs that last spring grew to an active NHL-record 10th consecutive year.
"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," Ilitch said. "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."
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This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit Red Wings name Shawn Horcoff interim GM; search continues for full-time hire
