In the least surprising event since finding out his LinkedIn post was likely written by AI, Detroit Red Wings President and CEO Chris Ilitch is still driving fans nuts.
Despite adamantly stating that autonomy is in Shawn Horcoff’s possession, the interim GM of the Red Wings is still at the mercy of Ilitch himself.
Frank Seravalli: Re Red Wings: Everything's done with such significant oversight from ownership on offers, on trades, on anything, there's no unilateral permission for Shawn Horcoff to really do anything right now, he's doing this with training wheels on - Frankly Hockey (10/6)
— NHL Rumour Report (@NHLRumourReport) October 7, 2026
Quite frankly, it’s upsetting and frustrating that folks are put in place to do a job but in reality they are just a smokescreen.
Jeff Marek: Re Red Wings management search: Jeff Greenberg was the preferred candidate; surprisingly ended up pulling out; I was told...he wanted to make certain changes with the hockey operations; but wasn't able to get the autonomy that he wanted - DFO Insider (10/7)
— NHL Rumour Report (@NHLRumourReport) October 7, 2026
Let Shawn Horcoff cook
Horcoff hails from Trail, British Columbia, but he has since made a home in the state of Michigan. Wearing the “C” in his final season with the Michigan State Spartans, Horcoff went on to have a successful hockey career in his own right (even playing in 50 games during the NHL lockout in Sweden).
It may not be a career as decorated as former general manager Steve Yzerman, but Horcoff has carved his own path in management.
Before taking on the role as general manager of the Grand Rapids Griffins, Detroit's AHL affiliate was a bit of a hot mess -- and something had to change.
From coaching decisions to player management to roster constructions, everything was discombobulated. The only thing that remained constant were question marks and frustrations. Even if a handful of prospects succeeded, the entire team was a full of mistakes.
When Horcoff found his way through the Grand Rapids organization, there were early growing pains. However, he seemed to grow into his own the last two seasons.
His decision-making with finding the perfect coach in Dan Watson (even if he was an obvious pick) and tracking down veteran talent became a huge boon in Grand Rapids.
Last season, the Griffins even broke records.
He helped cultivate a pipeline where players recalled from Grand Rapids could step into Detroit’s lineup without missing a beat. Yes, the coaching staff coaches players, but Horcoff has played his cards well with the Griffins from a managerial standpoint.
In favor of stoic confidence and respect built from an unrelenting drive, Horcoff has built his career through relationships. There’s a certain warmth to him that often evaded Yzerman.
How Horcoff is different from Yzerman
In his most recent media availability (before his surprising return to Sweden), Simon Edvinsson mentioned talking to “Horc.” It might seem like nothing nickname, but players seem to gravitate toward Horcoff.
People just seem to like Horcoff. In reality, liking a boss isn’t necessary (and sometimes it works out best if an employee doesn’t, depending on the circumstances). However, in today's modern youth-driven league, being able to build interpersonal relationships with players is a necessity.
The fact that Horcoff was the general manager of the Griffins as these younger players transformed potential into action is something no other general manager (or President and CEO) could emulate.
Players and personnel in the hockey speak very highly highly of Horcoff. Until proven otherwise, it’s all we can go by -- along with his track record of bringing in exceptional talent to the Griffins.
It may be one of the only reasons that Edvinsson hasn't formally asked for a trade. Allegedly, Edvinsson is frustrated and angry and has surprised even teammates by returning to Sweden during the tumultuous contract talks.
I'm not sure Edvinsson would have the same patience or forgiveness for lowball contract offers if they came from Yzerman rather than Horcoff.
As unlikely as it seems now, if there is any hope in reconciliation between Dylan Larkin and Detroit, Horcoff seems like the best candidate to take make that happen.
In a perfect world, Horcoff might have a mentor or someone similar (he may have this already, but something more formal) to help with contract negotiations and trades at the NHL level. Not just returning names like Kris Draper, either -- someone with a bit more experience in the NHL. In an ideal world, this individual would still let Horcoff act with autonomy, similar to an advisory role to a general manager.
David Pagnotta on DFO Insider about if the Detroit's GM search is on pause: "As far as I know, it's on pause, but not because Shawn has the interim tag. I think it's because everybody else, all the other teams, said, 'Well, the season is starting, we have to get to work, and he's… pic.twitter.com/BZru5VxfoY
— R i N K Y (@RinkyReport) October 7, 2026
The Detroit Red Wings don’t need a yes man, they need the right man (or woman) who can make the best decisions to move the organization forward. They can't afford to hold the team back or endlessly wait in a void while the owner struggles to find his wallet.
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