Dylan Larkin and Todd McLellan remain in limbo as Detroit's management search reportedly hasn't even reached the interview stage.
Bob Duff said on NHL Tonight that, as far as is known, the Red Wings have not started formal interviews with any candidates.
That is a significant update because several possible names have already circulated around Detroit. Public speculation may be moving faster than the actual hiring process.
The delay leaves McLellan preparing for camp without clarity on who will eventually control the major hockey decisions above him.
It also matters for Larkin. Recent reporting has him expected to report and play for Detroit, but his long-term relationship with the organization remains one of the biggest files waiting for the next management group.
A new hockey boss could decide to make another attempt at repairing that relationship or eventually reopen trade discussions if Larkin's position doesn't change.
Detroit doesn't need to rush into the wrong hire, but the calendar is becoming harder to ignore as camp gets closer and roster decisions start carrying real consequences.
Bob Duff: Re Red Wings management search: As far as we know there hasn't even been any interviews started with any candidates yet - NHL Tonight (8/19)
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NHLRR: Reports have pointed to potential candidates, including Jeff Greenberg; the process was/is expected to take until "
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Detroit's management search hits critical point as training camp approaches
If interviews truly haven't started, completing a thorough search before players report could become difficult. That would leave the current structure handling the first wave of preseason decisions.
For McLellan, uncertainty at the top can complicate planning. Coaches need to know whether management wants an aggressive push, a patient approach or significant roster changes.
The same applies to players on the edge of larger roles. A new decision-maker could arrive with different evaluations of Detroit's top six, blue line and prospect pipeline.
Duff's update also cools any suggestion that one reported candidate has already separated from the field. If there have been no interviews, calling anyone the favorite would be premature.
That makes patience understandable, but Detroit is dealing with more than an ordinary executive search. The Larkin situation ensures the eventual hire will walk directly into a high-pressure decision.
The Red Wings can survive starting camp without the search finished. What they cannot afford is allowing uncertainty to linger deep into the season while major roster questions remain unresolved.
For now, the process appears much earlier than the rumor cycle suggested. Detroit has names around the conversation, but according to Duff, it may not even have begun the interview stage yet.
Should Detroit accelerate its management search before training camp begins?
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