**Detroit Red Wings Owner Ilitch Holdings Announce The Hiring of Another Captain Due to Team’s Struggles**
In a surprising move, Ilitch Holdings, the ownership group of the Detroit Red Wings, has announced the hiring of another captain to lead the team amid ongoing struggles in the 2024-2025 NHL season. The decision, which has sent shockwaves throughout the hockey community, comes after the team’s inconsistent performance and difficulties in maintaining the legacy of success associated with one of the NHL’s most storied franchises.
Detroit’s Hockey Heritage and Current Struggles
The Detroit Red Wings, long regarded as one of the premier franchises in the NHL, have faced challenges in recent years as they attempt to rebuild following their dominant streak in the late 1990s and 2000s. Once known as the “Hockeytown” powerhouse, the Red Wings boasted a 25-year playoff streak that ended in 2017. Since then, the team has been in a rebuilding phase, and despite showing glimpses of potential with their young roster, they have struggled to return to playoff contention.
For much of the past decade, Detroit has been working to develop young talent and foster a team culture that aligns with its tradition of success. However, after multiple seasons of missed opportunities and mid-tier finishes, it became clear that leadership on and off the ice needed to be reevaluated. Steve Yzerman, a franchise legend and current general manager, has been instrumental in shaping the Red Wings’ future, but the on-ice results have yet to fully materialize.
### The Role of the Team Captain
The Red Wings have historically placed great emphasis on strong leadership, with past captains like Yzerman, Nicklas Lidström, and Henrik Zetterberg embodying the franchise’s commitment to excellence. These captains were not just skilled players but also individuals who commanded respect, motivated teammates, and consistently performed under pressure. A team’s captain is more than just a figurehead—they are often seen as an extension of the coaching staff, responsible for inspiring the team both on and off the ice.
In recent years, the Red Wings named Dylan Larkin, a Michigan native and standout forward, as their captain in 2021. Larkin, known for his speed and scoring ability, has worked diligently to lead by example and guide the young team through its rebuilding process. However, the responsibility of being the face of the franchise has proven challenging, particularly as the team continues to fall short of postseason aspirations.
### Hiring Another Captain: An Unconventional Solution
In an unprecedented move, Ilitch Holdings has decided to take an unconventional approach by hiring another captain to join the leadership structure. This additional captaincy role is aimed at relieving pressure from Larkin and providing a fresh perspective to a team in need of direction.
The new captain will work in tandem with Larkin to address the team’s on-ice and locker room struggles, offering a different leadership style and voice to help inspire the younger players. While the exact details of this role are still being finalized, the decision to bring in additional leadership has been met with mixed reactions from fans and analysts.
Some view the move as a sign of desperation, suggesting that the organization is unsure how to address the underlying issues within the team. Others, however, see it as a bold and creative solution that may spark the kind of change necessary to reinvigorate a team that has lacked consistency.
### The Search for the Right Fit
Finding the right person to serve as an additional captain will be critical to the success of this strategy. According to reports, the Red Wings are considering veterans who have strong leadership qualities and extensive playoff experience. The goal is to find someone who can complement Larkin’s skillset while also bringing a new level of accountability and motivation to the roster.
Speculation has already begun about potential candidates, with names like Patrice Bergeron, a former Boston Bruins captain, and Ryan Getzlaf, the longtime Anaheim Ducks leader, being floated as possible options. Both players have recently retired but are renowned for their leadership abilities and could potentially transition into advisory or part-time playing roles in this new captaincy structure.
### The Future of the Red Wings
The decision to hire another captain highlights the high stakes facing the Detroit Red Wings organization. While this move is unconventional, it reflects the team’s determination to shake things up and find new ways to restore their once-dominant status in the NHL. The future success of this initiative will depend on the ability of the two captains to coexist, collaborate, and guide the team out of its current rut.
For now, Red Wings fans can only wait and see if this bold decision will mark the beginning of a turnaround or serve as another chapter in the team’s ongoing struggle to reclaim its place among the NHL elite.
