Dylan Larkin requested a trade from the Detroit Red Wings more than two months ago, but interest in the captain has not translated into a deal yet.
Larkin’s full trade protection has limited Detroit to just four known destinations: the Florida Panthers, Minnesota Wild, Vegas Golden Knights and Dallas Stars. Even then, all four have discussed the center with the Red Wings, according to Detroit Free Press reporter Helene St. James, with no agreement between the sides.
The stalemate comes with the relationship between Larkin and the organization already fractured. St. James previously reported Detroit was upset that its captain requested a trade after the team had paid $31 million of his actual salary over the first three years of his contract.
Although former Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman stepped down as general manager, the move has not produced a resolution, either.
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According to St. James, the problem is Detroit’s asking price.
"There's the fact the Wings really want value-now players in return, not draft picks or prospects who'll take years to develop and may not even pan out," St. James wrote. "That's the gist of the problem with trading Larkin: the Wings need a first-line center in return, and Larkin's selected teams aren't willing to part with their own players who fit that bill. The best course still seems to be a reconciliation."
That demand reflects Detroit’s unwillingness to restart its rebuild. Larkin is coming off a 34-goal, 67-point season and has five years remaining on his eight-year, $69.6 million contract at an $8.7 million average annual value.
St. James previously explained why a package centered on futures would not solve Detroit’s problem.
“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.”
For now, Detroit has interested teams submitting offers for Larkin. That said, until Detroit lowers its expectations, it doesn't look like a trade will materialize.
