10 general manager candidates the Red Wings should consider

With Steve Yzerman stepping into a senior advisor role, the Detroit Red Wings have a massive decision ahead.

Whether ownership stays within the organization or makes a splash from outside, there are several intriguing candidates who could shape the franchise's future.

General manager candidates from within

Kris Draper feels like the safest choice. He's played a major role in the Red Wings' amateur scouting and player development, helping build one of the NHL's deepest prospect pools. Promoting Draper would ensure the organization's long-term vision remains intact while allowing him to put his own stamp on the next phase of the rebuild.

Shawn Horcoff has quietly become one of the most respected executives in hockey. As Detroit's assistant general manager, he's been heavily involved in contract negotiations, pro scouting and day-to-day hockey operations. His NHL playing experience combined with years in management makes him one of the strongest internal candidates to take over.

Nicklas Lidstrom. While his front-office experience isn't as extensive as Draper or Horcoff, his hockey IQ is legendary, and he's already served as a vice president with the organization. If ownership believes leadership and player respect outweigh experience, Lidstrom could become a fascinating choice.

External candidates worth every penny

Eric Tulsky is widely viewed as one of hockey's brightest analytical minds. After helping build Carolina into one of the league's most consistently competitive teams, he has shown an ability to blend analytics with traditional scouting. If Detroit wants an innovative approach that maximizes every roster decision, Tulsky would immediately become one of the league's most exciting hires.

Jim Nill has built the Dallas Stars into a perennial Stanley Cup contender through outstanding drafting, player development and smart roster construction. Convincing him to leave Dallas would be incredibly difficult, but if it happened, it would instantly change expectations in Detroit.

Other options

Jeff Tambellini is currently serving as an assistant general manager in Tampa Bay and has been part of one of the NHL's model organizations. His experience with championship-caliber roster building and player development makes him an intriguing up-and-coming executive.

Tom Fitzgerald remains one of the more experienced executives available, formerly with the New Jersey Devils. He's spent years working in scouting, player personnel and hockey operations, giving him a well-rounded résumé that could appeal to Detroit if it values proven front-office leadership.

Vaughn Karpan has helped Vegas build one of the NHL's most successful expansion franchises, contributing to aggressive roster construction and pro scouting. His experience with a winning organization makes him a compelling outside option capable of bringing fresh ideas to Detroit.

Darren Yorke has been a key member of Carolina's front office, earning praise for his work in player evaluation and organizational planning. With the Hurricanes consistently among the league's best-run teams, Yorke represents another rising executive who could bring a modern approach to leading the Red Wings into their next era.

Brett Peterson has become one of the NHL's top up-and-coming executives. As an assistant general manager with the Florida Panthers, he's helped build one of the league's premier teams through strong roster construction and pro scouting. Combined with his previous experience in Boston's front office, Peterson's winning résumé and modern approach make him an attractive external candidate for the Red Wings' GM opening.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow