On July 23, 1996, Detroit Red Wings President Bill Evo resigned his position after serving just ten months at the team's helm.
A season highlight was Sergei Fedorov's five-goal performance on December 26, 1996, in a game against the Washington Capitals.
Note: CR = Conference rank; GP = Games played; W = Wins; L = Losses; T = Ties; GF = Goals for; GA = Goals against; Pts = Points Bolded teams qualified for the playoffs.
Divisions: CEN – Central, PAC – Pacific bold – Qualified for playoffs; p – Won Presidents' Trophy
The driver, who later said he fell asleep, had a suspended license for previous drunk driving convictions.