A franchise icon stepping down after failing to get the job done as the head honcho of hockey operations? Let’s hope that’s not something we’re talking about in Vancouver Canucks land anytime soon. It is the NHL’s top story today, however, as Steve Yzerman has stepped down from his post with the Detroit Red Wings. Let’s dive into today’s edition of NHL Notebook.

On Wednesday, the Detroit Red Wings announced that Steve Yzerman is stepping down as the organization’s executive vice president and general manager. Per the release from the Wings, Yzerman will remain with Detroit as a senior advisor to CEO and team governor Chris Ilitch.

“I am sincerely grateful to Chris and the entire Ilitch family,” Yzerman said in a release. “This organization has given me incredible opportunities, from my time as a player to the privilege of returning as General Manager. I’ve appreciated every experience throughout the years, and I’m extremely proud to remain part of this great franchise.”

Initially hired by Detroit in the summer of 2019 after spending the previous nine seasons with the Tampa Bay Lightning, there was optimism that Yzerman could build the Red Wings into a consistent contender, just like the Lightning have become. Unfortunately, the “Yzerplan” hit some serious snags along the way. Opinions will vary on why the Red Wings haven’t been able to break through and have failed to qualify for the playoffs in every one of the seven seasons Yzerman has been at the helm for, but the fact that there are multiple legitimate reasons one can point to to explain the Wings’ shortcomings, probably tells you everything you need to know.

As a player, Yzerman is a franchise icon, having spent each of his 22 NHL seasons with Detroit, captaining them and leading them to Stanley Cup victories in 1997, 1998, and 2002. Through 1,514 regular season NHL games as a player, Yzerman put up 692 goals (second to Gordie Howe) and a franchise record 1,062 assists. As a manager though? An overwhelming amount of Red Wings fans — and let’s be honest, you can probably add captain Dylan Larkin to that list — wanted Yzerman out this offseason, and they’ve gotten their wish today.

It took a couple of weeks, but one of the top names from NHL free agency has found a home. On Wednesday, the New Jersey Devils announced that they have signed forward Anthony Mantha to a two-year contract with an annual average value of $4.75 million.

The 31-year-old signed one-year deal with the Pittsburgh Penguins last offseason that, as he was hoping for, saw him re-establish himself as an NHL player. After injuries limited him to three and four goals in 2023-24 and 2024-25, respectively, Mantha tallied 33 goals and 31 assists for 64 points in 81 games with the Penguins this past season.

Here is an updated look at the Devils’ forward line combinations amid Sunny Mehta’s first offseason as GM, courtesy of DailyFaceoff.com: