The search for a new general manager continues for the Detroit Red Wings, though their list of potential options has shrunk by one.
A league source informed Detroit Hockey Now that Jeff Greenberg, who currently serves as the general manager of Major League Baseball’s Detroit Tigers, has removed himself from running for the vacant post. The source noted that Greenberg communicated his choice to Tigers reporters through a group text message.
The move was further verified on social media by NHL reporter Elliotte Friedman.
Both the Tigers and the Red Wings operate under the ownership of the Ilitch family.
The 40-year-old Greenberg took over as general manager of the Tigers in 2023. However, he is no stranger to NHL management, having been brought on as the assistant general manager of the Chicago Blackhawks in 2022.
Originally from Pittsburgh, Greenberg began his professional sports career interning for the Pittsburgh Pirates and subsequently the Arizona Diamondbacks. By 2012, he secured an internship within the baseball operations office of the Chicago Cubs.
His trajectory with the Cubs saw him climb to director of baseball operations in 2018, followed by a promotion to director of pro scouting in 2019. By 2020, Greenberg earned the title of assistant GM with the franchise, a position he maintained until transitioning to a comparable front-office role with the Blackhawks.
What Lies Ahead for the Red Wings?
Although rumors suggested that Detroit would announce its new GM prior to Labor Day, the window for that timeline is rapidly closing.
Following Greenberg’s exit, attention has shifted toward Florida Panthers assistant GM Brett Peterson, whose name continues to circulate in connection with the opening. Peterson made history in 2020 when he assumed his current post with Florida, becoming the league’s first Black assistant general manager.
Peterson also shares a past connection with the Detroit franchise. During the 2008-09 season, he played for the Grand Rapids Griffins of the AHL, which serves as the Red Wings’ primary minor league affiliate.
It is understood that Red Wings owner Chris Ilitch wants to hire a leader for the hockey operations department who possesses a strong background in data and analytics.
