The Detroit Red Wings continue to navigate an unexpected offseason development involving captain Dylan Larkin.
Larkin requested trade at the start of June and immediately reshaped the organization’s outlook and the NHL's offseason landscape, instantly becoming the best player available in the market.
Initial reports indicated that Larkin provided the Red Wings a short list of preferred destinations, putting the team in a tough position given he has a full no-trade clause baked in his deal, not to mention the fact he's under contract for the long term, with the center signed through the 2031 season at an annual cap hit of $8.7 million.
A new report from Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic, however, suggests the process is evolving beyond Larkin's initial position, with the player giving more room for operation to Detroit.
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“As one would expect, the Dylan Larkin situation is ever-evolving as the parties try to find a solution that works for everyone,” LeBrun reported.
LeBrun noted that Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman has remained in consistent contact with Larkin’s agent, Pat Brisson, as both sides attempt to work toward a resolution.
“One might think that Detroit Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman is spitting mad that this trade request has come his way, but my understanding is that he’s kept an even keel and has kept in constant communication with Larkin’s agent, Pat Brisson,” LeBrun said.
According to LeBrun, one of the key developments involves the expansion of Larkin’s potential destinations.
“Yzerman went back to Brisson and asked to expand their original list of three teams, and my sense is that Brisson was receptive to that to some degree,” LeBrun reported.
The initial group of teams allowed to trade for Larkin included the Minnesota Wild, the Vegas Golden Knights and the Florida Panthers, but that list is no longer considered fixed and could expand.
LeBrun also outlined the possibility of more complex trade structures as discussions continue to take place between Detroit and prospective suitors.
“A trade could involve a third team in a transaction to make the assets work for Detroit,” LeBrun wrote.
