This summer has been eventful for the Detroit Red Wings, especially for those with connections to Big Ten hockey. The team made headlines by signing former Michigan Wolverine Tyler Motte as a free agent. Additionally, they are elevating a figure from Ohio State University within their organization.
Aaron Kahn, the Director of Hockey Operations, is stepping up to take on the role of Assistant General Manager. He shared the news on LinkedIn, expressing his excitement about his new position. With this promotion, the Red Wings now have three assistant GMs working alongside General Manager Steve Yzerman.
Shawn Horcoff, one of the current assistant GMs, is responsible for managing the team’s farm system, overseeing the AHL’s Grand Rapids Griffins as their GM. Another assistant GM, Kris Draper, handles amateur scouting, leading the scouting staff and overseeing preparations for the NHL entry draft.
In his expanded role, Kahn will focus on the business aspects of the Red Wings’ hockey operations. His responsibilities will include managing contracts and addressing salary cap issues.
Kahn hails from Berkeley, California, where he began his hockey career as a goalie with the San Jose Jr. Sharks. He walked on to the Ohio State University hockey team, playing for the Buckeyes’ club team in the ACHA. He graduated Cum Laude with a degree in Sport Industry and Business, concentrating on pre-law studies.
After graduation, Kahn served as a volunteer assistant coach for the Bowling Green Falcons during the 2016-17 NCAA season, working with goaltenders and as a video coach. He later earned his law degree at UCLA and worked as a corporate attorney for Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati in Los Angeles.
Kahn’s journey into the NHL began in 2015 as a media relations intern with the Pittsburgh Penguins. From 2019 to 2021, he worked in hockey operations for the Washington Capitals, focusing on salary cap and legal affairs. The Red Wings hired him as Director of Hockey Operations in the summer of 2021, and his recent promotion adds to his expanding role within the team.