The Detroit Red Wings have turned to a familiar face to keep the hockey operations chair warm, naming Shawn Horcoff interim general manager while they continue their search for a full-time leader.
Horcoff, 47, has been part of the organization since 2016 and has worked as assistant GM since 2022. He has also been running the Grand Rapids Griffins as their general manager since 2022, giving him a hand in both the NHL side and the development pipeline.
That background gives Detroit a built-in option at a moment when the franchise wants continuity. The Red Wings have spent the past several years rebuilding both their prospect system and their NHL roster, and Horcoff’s elevation keeps someone already inside the operation at the controls.
A former NHL forward, Horcoff played more than 1,000 regular-season games for the Edmonton Oilers, Dallas Stars, and Anaheim Ducks. After his playing career ended, he moved quickly into management and first joined Detroit as director of player development.
In the team’s press release, Chris Ilitch said: “As our process continues to find the best possible leader for Red Wings hockey operations, I’m appreciative of Shawn for stepping up to serve in this capacity,” said Chris Ilitch in Detroit’s press release. “His knowledge of our organization and range of experience allows us to operate with a clear decision-maker in place for the season ahead, while maintaining our commitment to carry out a thorough, methodical search process on our own timeline. Shawn has my complete support, and the authority to make decisions in the best interests of our organization.”
Detroit is now the latest NHL team to elevate from within and hand one of its top executives the reins. Horcoff will handle the day-to-day roster calls, salary cap matters, and hockey operations personnel.
The Red Wings are still searching for a permanent hockey operations lead, and Horcoff is among the candidates. That gives him a chance to strengthen his case while working with real authority, including on decisions such as a contract extension for Simon Edvinsson.
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