Chaos has ensued with the Detroit Red Wings to the point where no one report is consistent. One day, we'll hear that the Red Wings have no updates on the GM search front. The next, we learn that the Red Wings have hired an outside firm.
This time around, it's back-to-back reports of chaos.
Bob Duff of Detroit Hockey Now told a panelists at NHL Network that the Red Wings haven't held a single interview for the general manager role.
As if on cue, the Winged Wheel Podcast released a report conflicting with this information.
🚨 UPDATE: Multiple sources confirm that the Detroit Red Wings have already begun the GM/PoHO recruitment process, with interviews having already taken place & continuing today (per @RyanHanaWWP). #LGRW
Thoughts on this report about finding Yzerman's replacement(s)? ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/Kx8H9tuyZQ
"Multiple sources confirm that the Detroit Red Wings have already begun the GM/President of Hockey Operations process, with interviews having already taken place," the tweet reads.
Earlier this month, the Red Wings hired Turnkeyzrg to help with their general manager candidate search. The Red Wings, the most notoriously tight-lipped organization in the NHL, typically don't let information out unless the process has already begun. It's no surprise to see them play their cards close to the chest on the GM search front.
Octopus Thrower confirms report from WWP
In order to verify the claims posited by Ryan Hana, Winged Wheel Podcast host, Octopus Thrower Site Expert Jake Rivard reached out to Hana to confirm the claim.
"I have this confirmed four times over which is the only reason I put it out," said Hana. "I typically play it ultra conservative."
Hana, one of three hosts of WWP, has been familiar with the Red Wings organization for some time. The Red Wings put on multiple WWP Nights throughout the season, raising charity donations for the Jamie Daniels Foundation year after year. It's safe to assume that any information from WWP - especially given Hana's quote - is accurate.
Sigh of relief among Red Wings fans
While it isn't much in terms of concrete news, it's a sign of progress. It's better to know that the Red Wings are actively involved in this search as opposed to the sheepish, slow approach suggested by Duff. In Duff's defense, though, he never stated the lack of interviews as fact. Rather, he ended his statement with "as far as we know", leaving it up to ambiguity.
Hana's quote confirms that progress is being made on this front.
One interesting tidbit from both quotes, however, is this: the differentiation between the GM and President of Hockey Operations interview processes. This has led some to believe that the positions will be split up as opposed to their combined role under Yzerman's tenure. Most NHL teams tend to have these roles split up to help relieve the workload. If the Red Wings elect for this process, it would likely help pave a road for better communication in the long run.
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