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Chris Ilitch says he shares Red Wings fans’ frustration, explains Yzerman decision and hockey-ops search

Red Wings owner and CEO Chris Ilitch spoke to reporters before Thursday’s game about fan frustration, Steve Yzerman’s departure, the search for a president of hockey operations, and Dylan Larkin.

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Detroit Red Wings owner and CEO Chris Ilitch told reporters before Thursday night’s game against the Philadelphia Flyers that he understands why fans are upset with the direction of the franchise. Speaking at Little Caesars Arena, Ilitch addressed the “Sell the team!” chants heard at the Oct. 2 home opener, his decision to move on from Steve Yzerman in July, and the search for a new hockey operations leader.

“I understand fan frustration. I share it, to be frank,” Ilitch said, according to the Detroit Free Press.

On Yzerman

Ilitch said changing the team’s leadership was not something he was considering in January, when Detroit sat first in its division. The late-season slide that followed left the Red Wings out of the playoffs for a 10th straight season and led to an organizational review that included Yzerman’s work. Ilitch credited Yzerman with improving the organization beyond what he inherited, but said the league has evolved and the team could benefit from new leadership. He called it a “difficult but necessary decision,” Detroit Sports Nation reported.

On the search and Horcoff

The next major hire will be a president of hockey operations, who will then decide whether and when to add a general manager. Ilitch said the search could end during this season or run until the end of it, and that he will not rush it to satisfy frustrated fans. He said interim GM Shawn Horcoff, promoted from assistant GM in September, has his full confidence and remains a candidate to lose the interim tag.

Asked about his own role in hockey decisions, Ilitch said he does not intend to act like a general manager. He described his job as finding capable leaders and giving them the authority to do their work, while saying he is accountable for the direction of the franchise.

On Larkin

Ilitch said he has spoken with Dylan Larkin, who requested a trade after last season and no longer wears the captain’s “C,” but declined to share what they discussed. He offered his support for the center.

Detroit beat Philadelphia 2-1 later Thursday night to improve to 2-3-2. The Red Wings host the San Jose Sharks on Saturday at 7 p.m.

Sources

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