The Detroit Red Wings have had a significant summer, particularly for those with ties to Big Ten hockey. The team recently made headlines by signing Tyler Motte, a former Michigan Wolverine, as a free agent. Moreover, they are promoting an individual with an Ohio State University background within their ranks.
Aaron Kahn, who has been serving as the Director of Hockey Operations, is now taking on the additional role of Assistant General Manager. Kahn announced this development on LinkedIn, expressing his enthusiasm about the new position. This promotion means that the Red Wings now have three assistant GMs working under General Manager Steve Yzerman.
Among the current assistant GMs, Shawn Horcoff is responsible for overseeing the team’s farm system, including his role as the General Manager of the AHL’s Grand Rapids Griffins. Another assistant GM, Kris Draper, manages amateur scouting, leading the scouting department and handling preparations for the NHL entry draft.
In his expanded role, Kahn will be concentrating on the business side of the Red Wings’ hockey operations. His tasks will involve managing contracts and addressing salary cap matters.
Kahn’s background is rooted in Berkeley, California, where he started his hockey career as a goalie with the San Jose Jr. Sharks. He joined the Ohio State University hockey team as a walk-on, playing for the Buckeyes’ club team in the ACHA. He graduated Cum Laude with a degree in Sport Industry and Business, with a focus on pre-law.
After completing his degree, Kahn worked as a volunteer assistant coach for the Bowling Green Falcons during the 2016-17 NCAA season, where he assisted with goaltenders and served as a video coach. He then pursued a law degree at UCLA and worked as a corporate attorney at Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati in Los Angeles.
Kahn’s entry into the NHL began in 2015 as a media relations intern with the Pittsburgh Penguins. Between 2019 and 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 further expands his role within the team.
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