The search for the new Red Wings general manager has been underway for about a month now, with interviews reportedly set to kick off in the next week or so. You’d think everyone would be hyped about who’s taking the reins, but one detail about who’s running the show has some fans seriously wondering if this whole thing is truly on the up-and-up.
Who’s Really Pulling the Strings?
Early this month, we found out the team brought in an outside search firm, TurnkeyZRG, to help find their next top executive. They’re looking for an analytics-driven GM, which sounds great on paper, right? Sean Shapiro of Elite Prospects and Shap Shots finally put a name to the firm, after the Free Press and TSN insider Elliotte Friedman were pretty light on the details. TurnkeyZRG isn’t exactly new to the NHL scene either. Sports Illustrated linked them to the Toronto Maple Leafs’ hire of new general manager John Chayka and the former Vegas Golden Knights’ President Kerry Bubolz. So, they’ve got some serious experience on the hockey operations side. But here’s where it gets sticky for some Red Wings fans: the CEO of this operation, Len Perna, is a former Ilitch Sports executive. Given the Red Wings’ long-standing tradition of keeping things super internal, people are already questioning if this search can truly stay “at arm’s length.” Talk about a tough start!
This Firm’s Track Record Is No Joke
Honestly, if the Red Wings want to get out of this mess, bringing in an outside firm was totally necessary. Chris Ilitch has been fiercely loyal, for better or worse, to those who helped build the Tigers and Red Wings under his father. And let’s be real, the results have been, well, mixed. We’re talking about middling teams stuck in decade-long playoff droughts for both franchises. That’s rough, folks. Just look at the Tigers! TurnkeyZRG stepped in and helped them hire Scott Harris in late 2022. Fast forward one season to 2024, and the ‘Gritty Tigs’ were the talk of Detroit, battling their way into the playoffs and snapping a decade-long drought. That’s a serious turnaround.
Beyond Detroit, this company was crucial in some big-time coaching and executive placements back in 2023. They were the ones who flew out to meet high-ranking University personnel for Curtis Cignetti, who went on to lead the University of Indiana to a College Football National Championship last year! Their 2023 “class” also included Big Ten Commissioner Tony Petiti and the current University of Wisconsin’s men’s ice hockey coach, Mike Hastings. So, while some fans might still be skeptical about a search firm hired by Ilitch, supposedly run by an ex-Ilitch “stooge,” let’s not forget Perna has been CEO for over three decades. Before that, he was a top executive for the Dallas Stars’ legal division. There are at least a few degrees of separation from any potential Ilitch loyalty after 30 years!
The Red Wings desperately need an infusion of new blood to clear out this decade-long malaise that’s been hanging over the franchise. This GM search feels absolutely critical for their future. With interviews starting next week, every Red Wings fan should be locked in on who this firm brings to the table. We need a winner, and we need one now.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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