Dylan Larkin’s trade request remains unresolved as the Detroit Red Wings begin searching for a new leader at the top of the franchise's front office.
The captain approved the Florida Panthers, Minnesota Wild, Vegas Golden Knights, and Dallas Stars as possible destinations, but Detroit has yet to receive an acceptable offer from any of those teams for Larkin.
Meanwhile, Steve Yzerman’s decision to step down as general manager and move into a senior advisory role created speculation that Larkin could reconsider his request and stay in Detroit.
Detroit Free Press reporter Helene St. James was asked on TSN's "OverDrive" if that could be the case, but she suggested the damage extends beyond Larkin’s relationship with Yzerman.
Danny Wild-Imagn Images
“That would be a lot to walk back,” St. James said. “It’s been going on now for two months, and the organization is upset with him.”
St. James then identified the timing of Larkin’s request as one reason for Detroit’s frustration with the player's decision.
“[The Red Wings] are upset with him for asking for a trade after they’ve paid down the chunk of the actual salary, $31 million over three years, for that contract,” St. James said. “And I don't know, to me, I don't know even if it's a different GM. Steve Yzerman still works for the team, and I just don't know if Dylan Larkin can walk this back.”
Larkin signed an eight-year, $69.6 million contract carrying a full no-movement clause in 2023. That protection has allowed him to control where Detroit can send him and has contributed to the current stalemate.
“Maybe (returning to Detroit) is his best option because, I think, a trade—the Red Wings need to get back (someone like) Dylan Larkin in a trade, they need a top-line center,” St. James said. “Getting a first-round pick just sets them back another four or five years in the rebuild. That'd be miserable.”
MLive’s Ansar Khan has suggested Larkin’s relationship with Yzerman had become strained over several years and confirmed the now-former GM wanted "NHL-ready players" in exchange for Larkin.
Against that backdrop, The Athletic’s Chris Johnston believes the situation could remain unresolved into September.
“The Red Wings are just not in a position where they’re going to trade him to get rid of the headache, the storyline, or the distraction,” Johnston said.
Although Yzerman’s departure has changed Detroit’s front-office structure, St. James’ comments indicate that, at least for now, it's not enough for Larkin to walk back his trade request nor repair the fracture between player and organization.
