On July 15, the Red Wings announced that general manager Steve Yzerman would become a senior adviser to Ilitch. On Friday, they announced that Larkin would report to training camp but that the team would begin the season without a captain.
And on Tuesday, they announced that Shawn Horcoff would serve as interim GM until they find their next leader of hockey operations. The News published an interview with Ilitch afterward.
"As it relates to the captaincy, we've communicated as a front office directly with Dylan on that topic, and I'm going to leave it at that," Ilitch said. "As far as future captaincy, I think that's going to rest with our new president of hockey operations. Let's see how it plays out."
Ilitch said he is looking for "an innovative difference-maker who can build a championship-caliber organization" and will make a hire when he finds "the right leader." That person will determine the status of the staff, including coach Todd McLellan.
"It could happen during this season, it could happen after this season," Ilitch said. "We're not going to just make arbitrary decisions. The Red Wings deserve this level of diligence and excellence."
In the short term, Horcoff will handle day-to-day business. Among the most pressing matters are contracts for defenseman Simon Edvinsson, a restricted free agent, and forward Alex DeBrincat, who can become an unrestricted free agent after the season. The Red Wings take the ice for training camp Thursday.
Asked about discord between Larkin and Yzerman, Ilitch said the franchise is bigger than any player, coach, GM or owner.
"Dylan's a great player," Ilitch said. "He's an important part of our team. Any conversations about his future are gonna stay private between Dylan and our front office."
Asked about the fans' reaction, Ilitch said he couldn't control that.
"All I can do is say Dylan Larkin is under contract," Ilitch said. "He's a Red Wing. He's coming back to our camp to play for our team this year. We're going to do everything we can to support Dylan and ensure he's able to reach his full potential. I think we're going to keep all those discussions about Dylan's interests private between Dylan and our front office."
