Dylan Larkin wants a trade, but Todd McLellan and the Detroit Red Wings aren't preparing to give their captain an easy exit.
Detroit has reportedly received no acceptable return from the teams on Larkin's approved list. That leaves the organization with leverage and the player facing an uncomfortable September.
Red Wings insider Helene St. James said Larkin may have to expand that list. By late July, Steve Yzerman still hadn't found the type of deal Detroit needs.
The asking price makes sense. Larkin remains a first-line center coming off 34 goals and 67 points in 74 games.
Replacing that production through one trade is a major problem. Detroit can't simply move its captain for futures while leaving McLellan without a comparable center in the top six.
Larkin's contract also strengthens the Red Wings' position. His $8,700,000 cap hit runs through the 2030-31 season, removing any immediate deadline pressure on management.
"I think he's gonna have to expand [his list]" said St. James on the Jason Gregor Show. "It's the middle of July and the Wings haven't gotten anything that they needed from those teams."
St. James went so far as to question the decision for a trade request at all on the part of Larkin, arguing that there was never going to be a scenario in which this could work.
"This is what I have a hard time understanding, did Dylan Larkin not think this through?" asked St. James. "I don't understand how he didn't know that they basically needed somebody just like him back."
Dylan Larkin's trade request just turned into a nightmare for the Red Wings captain
St. James described the organization as extremely upset with how the request unfolded. Detroit signed Larkin for 8 years, structured the agreement aggressively and made him the face of the roster.
"From their perspective I can tell you that organization is extremely upset," revealed St. James. "He signed for an 8 year deal, that was front loaded, they paid him."
That frustration could shape the next move. Rather than accept a discounted package, the Red Wings can tell Larkin to report for camp and resume his role under McLellan.
"That's why they are like 'We'll make you come play for us, we'll make you decide in September what you're gonna do' the worst thing Dylan could do is not report," said St. James.
Not reporting would create an even deeper problem for Larkin. It would shift attention away from Detroit's roster construction and place every question on the captain's commitment to the team.
His on-ice value remains obvious. Larkin scored 14 power-play goals and added 9 game-winners last season, production Detroit can't replace with a middle-six center and draft capital.
The request also arrives after 808 regular-season games with the organization. That history raises the emotional stakes inside the locker room and across a fan base that has watched Larkin carry the rebuild.
Yzerman's challenge is finding another team willing to surrender immediate NHL value while fitting Larkin's protection. That's a narrow path, especially after the request became public.
Detroit doesn't need to rush. Unless Larkin expands his list or an approved club raises its offer, the Red Wings can bring him back and let the pressure follow him into training camp.
Source : Dylan Larkin gets brutal reality check from the Red Wings.
Should the Detroit Red Wings force Dylan Larkin to report?
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