Detroit Red Wings Initiate GM Search While Werenski Rumors Persist and KHL Clubs Pursue NHL Talent

The Detroit Red Wings are currently advancing their process to appoint a new general manager to succeed Steve Yzerman.

Discussions continue regarding Zach Werenski’s potential move to the Dallas Stars, following rumours that surfaced earlier in the summer.

Several players are being linked to Russia’s premier league, the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL), indicating possible NHL‑to‑KHL transfers.

Red Wings to Begin Interview Process

The Red Wings’ failure to qualify for the postseason, combined with Dylan Larkin’s trade request, marked the end of Yzerman’s tenure as general manager.

Although Yzerman will remain with the organization, Friedman reported that he will not participate in hockey operations, granting the incoming general manager full authority over the franchise.

Friedman noted that the interview process will intensify over the coming week, and that any candidate must present a concrete plan for the club’s future.

Among the candidates mentioned are Jeff Greenberg, the Detroit Tigers’ general manager, who previously worked with both the Chicago Blackhawks and Chicago Cubs, making a cross‑sport transition familiar to him.

Internal candidates considered include Kris Draper, Shawn Horcoff, and Niklas Lidstrom, while external possibilities such as Scott White and Ryan Martin are also being discussed.

Werenski to Stars May Still be an Option

Earlier this summer, a minor miscommunication between Werenski and the Columbus Blue Jackets sparked extensive rumours and led to the cancellation of a potential trade to the Stars.

The proposed transaction would have sent Thomas Harley to the Blue Jackets and Mavrik Bourque—now with the Nashville Predators—to Detroit.

Harley would have been the centerpiece of the deal, with Bourque serving as a secondary component. When questioned on ‘The Sheet’, Jeff Marek indicated that the deal remains on the table.

Following the presentation of the deal, Werenski exercised his trade protection clause, halting the transaction, and appeared uninterested in departing Columbus.

Although the trade is currently off the table, Werenski must still decide his future and whether he wishes to remain in Columbus. Should he indicate a desire to leave, Dallas could present a compelling offer that he would likely accept.

The veto primarily reflected Werenski’s desire to stay with the Blue Jackets rather than any intention to join the Stars.

KHL Teams Trying to Sign Available NHL Players

Following the conclusion of the NHL season, several players remain unsigned deep into the offseason, and while many are still available, few teams appear to be actively pursuing them.

Artur Khairullin of Sport Express reported that Ak Bars Kazan of the KHL is actively seeking several NHL players to bolster its offense.

He identified Evander Kane, Vladimir Tarasenko, and Evgenii Dadonov as players of interest for Ak Bars.

Kane has surpassed 1,000 career games, and after an underwhelming season with the Vancouver Canucks, NHL teams have shown limited interest in his services. His career has been marked by disputes with teammates, off‑ice issues, and inconsistent on‑ice conduct.

Tarasenko, once a prolific goal‑scorer, has faced injury concerns that have raised questions about his future, yet he delivered a strong season with the Minnesota Wild in the 2025‑26 campaign.

Speculation exists regarding a potential return to the Wild, though no agreement has been finalized.

Dadonov recorded only one goal in 24 games during the 2025‑26 season, raising doubts about the continuation of his NHL career; a move to Ak Bars could revitalize his trajectory.

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