In four days, the Detroit Red Wings will take to the ice for their first day of training camp.
They still do not have a general manager.
Bafflingly, the Red Wings, who hired a search firm two months ago to search for a GM, have not announced a candidate, much less indicated that they've interviewed anyone at all. In fact, if Elliotte Friedman's quotes are believed to be true, they've failed to follow up on a handful of candidates they've requested to interview.
On Friday, the Red Wings released a statement regarding disgruntled captain Dylan Larkin and his trade request. That statement failed to mention any update regarding the general manager search or any indication that they've got a candidate in mind.
There was once a time where the Red Wings playing their cards close to the chest was seen as a benefit rather than a detriment. That time has long since passed. Now, the lack of transparency with fans - especially over this last decade - is hurting the organization more than helping it.
Red Wings need to release an actual update
When other organizations go through the GM interview process, they'll typically share who they interviewed and when the interviews were completed. Sometimes, this goes through media figures, while other times, it's shared openly by the organization. The Toronto Maple Leafs, for example, openly shared their interview process across social media.
The Red Wings, so far, have offered nothing.
The only reason fans know about the external search firm is because media members like Helene St. James and Sean Shapiro shared what was provided to them. This summer, the only two statements to come out of the organization have been Steve Yzerman's resignation and the update on Larkin's captaincy.
It's been radio silence from the front office since then.
This lack of communication is unacceptable -- especially considering the last decade Detroit has endured with the state of the Red Wings. While they're much better off than they were in previous seasons, "much better off" just doesn't cut it anymore.
Next GM enters chaotic situation
The worst part about all this is how quickly the next GM has to act. As mentioned earlier, training camp starts in under a week. There's very little time to get acclimated to the new organization or any of its needs. This doesn't even scratch the surface with Simon Edvinsson, who is two days away from only being able to sign a seven year deal.
This is the most disorganized the Red Wings have looked in decades.
At this point in time, the team has two options: hire a GM or release a statement to explain why it's taking so long. No franchise - especially one with Original Six prestige - should work with this complete lack of transparency without at least sharing a plan.
All the team has to do (save from hiring a GM) is share why it's taking so long.
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