Dylan Larkin and the Detroit Red Wings finally have a real timeline forming, and it's tied directly to who takes over as general manager.
Former GM Steve Yzerman publicly confirmed in June that Larkin's agent, Pat Brisson, told Detroit the captain wanted out.
Larkin controls the process through his no-trade protection, with Minnesota, Florida, and Vegas reported as his three approved destinations.
Elliotte Friedman reported the GM search is now well underway, with real names attached instead of vague speculation.
Internal candidates Shawn Horcoff and Kris Draper are in the mix, alongside external names like Florida's Brett Peterson, San Jose's Jeff Kealty, and Detroit Tigers GM Jeff Greenberg.
Larkin posted 67 points last season, 34 goals and 33 assists in 74 games, on an $8,700,000 cap hit that runs through 2030-31.
That contract term actually helps Detroit here. This isn't a "trade him now or lose him for nothing" situation, since Larkin has five full seasons left on the books.
Why the salary floor complicates any Larkin trade
Detroit currently projects around $84,430,000 in cap commitments, leaving roughly $19,570,000 below the $104,000,000 ceiling.
Strip out Larkin's cap hit without bringing salary back, and Detroit drops to about $75,730,000, which sits below the $76,900,000 salary floor.
That math alone rules out a futures-only return. Detroit needs real NHL salary and real NHL talent coming back, not just picks and prospects.
Larkin's full no-trade clause also caps the market. Detroit can't manufacture a bidding war among ten teams when only three destinations are actually approved.
That clause converts to modified protection in 2027-28, which gives Detroit real incentive to wait for the right offer instead of forcing one now.
Would a new GM sit down with Larkin and Brisson before touching any trade talks? That seems like the obvious first move once someone actually has the job.
Whoever takes this position inherits the single biggest decision in the organization, and how they handle it will define their tenure before they even settle into the office.
Should the Red Wings wait out Larkin's contract instead of trading him now?
Also read on Markerzone.com:
Erik Karlsson to Toronto: the player who would leave in the trade is known, according to Adam Proteau
