League: NHL Sport: Hockey Country: United States Category: Scores & Results

Former Red Wings executive criticizes Detroit’s ongoing issues

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 30, 2026, 1:55 PM

Last updated Aug 30, 2026

Former Red Wings executive criticizes Detroit’s ongoing issues

Summary

Former Detroit Red Wings executive Neil Smith criticized the team's current direction during the NHL Wraparound Podcast on August 30, 2026. Smith described the situation as chaotic, primarily due to the unresolved general manager search and captain Dylan Larkin's trade request. Chris Ilitch is leading the GM search with candidates being evaluated, but a permanent hire has not yet been made. With training camp approaching, Larkin remains unsigned, and should he report to camp without a resolution, it could complicate the team's dynamics heading into the new season.

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By the Numbers

•Neil Smith labels Red Wings' situation as chaotic.
•Chris Ilitch oversees the search for a new general manager.
•Dylan Larkin's trade request remains unresolved ahead of training camp.
•Smith's concerns arise from the overlap of the GM search and Larkin's future.
•Several concrete candidates for GM have emerged, adding urgency to the process.

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