Friedman: Dylan Larkin requests trade

[FriendlyGhost92]

 

[SuperScript29]

Easier for Jordan Staal to grind it out since he already had a cup prior to this one.

 

[Petes2424]

If anyone caught the Jordan Staal comments immediately after Game 6 (on Sportsnet) last night, you couldn’t help but think about how different a Dylan Larkin is compared to Staal, who might be one of the final old school players from the “respecting the game” standpoint.

When we all grew up in the game, from atom to pro, you heard it constantly. From your grandfather, to your dad, to your coaches, and even from other players. “Don’t disrespect the game” and “be humble, win or lose” and “you play for your teammates.”

All those one liners actually meant something. Maybe it’s the overall Canadian culture and it’s influence on the game, but I can tell you when my son played many of his years for AAA teams in Michigan, through college, it was no different than when he played in the GTHL, or the two years in Calgary. I will say this though, Michigan hockey was much more Canadian influenced than the rest of the States. So maybe that had something to do with it.

The big change happened with the kids coming out of the AAA system in the States, Michigan included, about 12-14 years ago. In many ways I think the money finally caught up to the game. The entitlement started spreading for sure.

Staal was before those times, Larkin after, and you could see the difference in the two players during that interview. Especially when he was asked about why he stayed in Carolina all these years. He said all the right things about perseverance, the love of his teammates, Raleigh, etc. All the things Dylan Larkin would say out loud, but nobody in his locker room EVER believed him.

I can 100% confirm that’s been the case for at least the last 5 years or so. The young kids in Detroit have had to walk on eggshells around Larkin unless he seen you as an equal. His relationships with Seider and Raymond, completely different from his relationships with Kasper and Johansson for example. The way he treated Danielson, Finnie, ASP and MBN this year was nowhere near what you’d expect. Especially the way Larkin was viewed by media and fans, who bought into what the Illitch marketing team was selling. Staal even made mention of the kids in Carolina, as did Taylor Hall, and how he also sees those youngsters as family, etc.

Lots of things will likely become public after Larkin has gone his merry way, and my guess is, if he’s still around, it’ll be Patrick Kane who says it out loud. There was little respect for Larkin as a leader in that locker room. The other vets put up with him, kids like Seider and Edvinsson ignored him, but he rode Marco Kasper especially, and not in a good way.

Bottom line, this breakup is the best thing that could’ve happened to Detroit long term and the worst part is, with all the power that Yzerman is perceived to have, he seen through Larkin long ago, but because the Illitch’s marketed Larkin like they had prior to Yzerman’s arrival, he was forced to keep him, and try building around him. That said, there’s always been speculation that Yzerman tried to convince the Illitch’s after every season, that this divorce needed to happen before they could really take steps forward.

That’s one of the major reasons Steve Yzerman still has his job from what I understand. That the Illitch’s are rightfully taking the blame for not allowing Yzerman to get rid of Larkin prior to him being named Captain, which was delayed if people remember, and again before his current long term contract.

Also told that Detroit brass decided (after the season) they probably need to take a step backwards this summer, and approached Larkin (about a month ago) about being part of the future, even though they told him they doubt they’ll be in the playoffs for another two years. At that point, Larkin made the decision he didn’t want to be part of it anymore. A decision they knew he’d make, the way he made it, finally allowing Yzerman to start the divorce proceedings.

I feel bad for the Kane and Debrincat’s of the world. Those players truly want to be part of the organization and now, the Larkin fallout might take them somewhere new as well.

Bottom line? If Jordan Staal was Detroit’s captain these last 5 years, there's a good bet Detroit wouldn’t be in the position they are today. You can call Larkin a fraud, and likely would if you grew up in the game 20+ years ago, but so many of the newer generation of players, fans and media, view the sport much differently today than we did.

Just a thought. After everything Detroit has been through these last 10 years, they really do deserve a Landon DuPont lottery win next year, to help this team get back to where the Detroit Red Wings should be.

 

[Wasted Talent]

Easier for Jordan Staal to grind it out since he already had a cup prior to this one.

Jordan Staal has also played more playoff games in each of the last 8 seasons than Larkin has in his entire career.

Subtle difference I guess.

 

[jkutswings]

If anyone caught the Jordan Staal comments immediately after Game 6 (on Sportsnet) last night, you couldn’t help but think about how different a Dylan Larkin is compared to Staal, who might be one of the final old school players from the “respecting the game” standpoint.

When we all grew up in the game, from atom to pro, you heard it constantly. From your grandfather, to your dad, to your coaches, and even from other players. “Don’t disrespect the game” and “be humble, win or lose” and “you play for your teammates.”

All those one liners actually meant something. Maybe it’s the overall Canadian culture and it’s influence on the game, but I can tell you when my son played many of his years for AAA teams in Michigan, through college, it was no different than when he played in the GTHL, or the two years in Calgary. I will say this though, Michigan hockey was much more Canadian influenced than the rest of the States. So maybe that had something to do with it.

The big change happened with the kids coming out of the AAA system in the States, Michigan included, about 12-14 years ago. In many ways I think the money finally caught up to the game. The entitlement started spreading for sure.

Staal was before those times, Larkin after, and you could see the difference in the two players during that interview. Especially when he was asked about why he stayed in Carolina all these years. He said all the right things about perseverance, the love of his teammates, Raleigh, etc. All the things Dylan Larkin would say out loud, but nobody in his locker room EVER believed him.

I can 100% confirm that’s been the case for at least the last 5 years or so. The young kids in Detroit have had to walk on eggshells around Larkin unless he seen you as an equal. His relationships with Seider and Raymond, completely different from his relationships with Kasper and Johansson for example. The way he treated Danielson, Finnie, ASP and MBN this year was nowhere near what you’d expect. Especially the way Larkin was viewed by media and fans, who bought into what the Illitch marketing team was selling. Staal even made mention of the kids in Carolina, as did Taylor Hall, and how he also sees those youngsters as family, etc.

Lots of things will likely become public after Larkin has gone his merry way, and my guess is, if he’s still around, it’ll be Patrick Kane who says it out loud. There was little respect for Larkin as a leader in that locker room. The other vets put up with him, kids like Seider and Edvinsson ignored him, but he rode Marco Kasper especially, and not in a good way.

Bottom line, this breakup is the best thing that could’ve happened to Detroit long term and the worst part is, with all the power that Yzerman is perceived to have, he seen through Larkin long ago, but because the Illitch’s marketed Larkin like they had prior to Yzerman’s arrival, he was forced to keep him, and try building around him. That said, there’s always been speculation that Yzerman tried to convince the Illitch’s after every season, that this divorce needed to happen before they could really take steps forward.

That’s one of the major reasons Steve Yzerman still has his job from what I understand. That the Illitch’s are rightfully taking the blame for not allowing Yzerman to get rid of Larkin prior to him being named Captain, which was delayed if people remember, and again before his current long term contract.

Also told that Detroit brass decided (after the season) they probably need to take a step backwards this summer, and approached Larkin (about a month ago) about being part of the future, even though they told him they doubt they’ll be in the playoffs for another two years. At that point, Larkin made the decision he didn’t want to be part of it anymore. A decision they knew he’d make, the way he made it, finally allowing Yzerman to start the divorce proceedings.

I feel bad for the Kane and Debrincat’s of the world. Those players truly want to be part of the organization and now, the Larkin fallout might take them somewhere new as well.

Bottom line? If Jordan Staal was Detroit’s captain these last 5 years, there's a good bet Detroit wouldn’t be in the position they are today. You can call Larkin a fraud, and likely would if you grew up in the game 20+ years ago, but so many of the newer generation of players, fans and media, view the sport much differently today than we did.

Just a thought. After everything Detroit has been through these last 10 years, they really do deserve a Landon DuPont lottery win next year, to help this team get back to where the Detroit Red Wings should be.

I always enjoy reading your posts. Unfortunately this one helped confirmed my skepticism about Detroit's ownership. I'll consider spending any money as a fan when they manage to put a decent product on the ice in between their goals of nickel and diming the spectators while outright lying to the taxpayers.

 

[Fatass]

Easier for Jordan Staal to grind it out since he already had a cup prior to this one.

Maybe his character, of not taking the “easier way to jump ship” is a part of why he has two Cups now and a Smythe? Maybe Larkin should stay in Detroit and work to win there? They’ve got a very good younger group. There could be something between him and Yzerman we don’t know about though.

 

[FriendlyGhost92]

If anyone caught the Jordan Staal comments immediately after Game 6 (on Sportsnet) last night, you couldn’t help but think about how different a Dylan Larkin is compared to Staal, who might be one of the final old school players from the “respecting the game” standpoint.

When we all grew up in the game, from atom to pro, you heard it constantly. From your grandfather, to your dad, to your coaches, and even from other players. “Don’t disrespect the game” and “be humble, win or lose” and “you play for your teammates.”

All those one liners actually meant something. Maybe it’s the overall Canadian culture and it’s influence on the game, but I can tell you when my son played many of his years for AAA teams in Michigan, through college, it was no different than when he played in the GTHL, or the two years in Calgary. I will say this though, Michigan hockey was much more Canadian influenced than the rest of the States. So maybe that had something to do with it.

The big change happened with the kids coming out of the AAA system in the States, Michigan included, about 12-14 years ago. In many ways I think the money finally caught up to the game. The entitlement started spreading for sure.

Staal was before those times, Larkin after, and you could see the difference in the two players during that interview. Especially when he was asked about why he stayed in Carolina all these years. He said all the right things about perseverance, the love of his teammates, Raleigh, etc. All the things Dylan Larkin would say out loud, but nobody in his locker room EVER believed him.

I can 100% confirm that’s been the case for at least the last 5 years or so. The young kids in Detroit have had to walk on eggshells around Larkin unless he seen you as an equal. His relationships with Seider and Raymond, completely different from his relationships with Kasper and Johansson for example. The way he treated Danielson, Finnie, ASP and MBN this year was nowhere near what you’d expect. Especially the way Larkin was viewed by media and fans, who bought into what the Illitch marketing team was selling. Staal even made mention of the kids in Carolina, as did Taylor Hall, and how he also sees those youngsters as family, etc.

Lots of things will likely become public after Larkin has gone his merry way, and my guess is, if he’s still around, it’ll be Patrick Kane who says it out loud. There was little respect for Larkin as a leader in that locker room. The other vets put up with him, kids like Seider and Edvinsson ignored him, but he rode Marco Kasper especially, and not in a good way.

Bottom line, this breakup is the best thing that could’ve happened to Detroit long term and the worst part is, with all the power that Yzerman is perceived to have, he seen through Larkin long ago, but because the Illitch’s marketed Larkin like they had prior to Yzerman’s arrival, he was forced to keep him, and try building around him. That said, there’s always been speculation that Yzerman tried to convince the Illitch’s after every season, that this divorce needed to happen before they could really take steps forward.

That’s one of the major reasons Steve Yzerman still has his job from what I understand. That the Illitch’s are rightfully taking the blame for not allowing Yzerman to get rid of Larkin prior to him being named Captain, which was delayed if people remember, and again before his current long term contract.

Also told that Detroit brass decided (after the season) they probably need to take a step backwards this summer, and approached Larkin (about a month ago) about being part of the future, even though they told him they doubt they’ll be in the playoffs for another two years. At that point, Larkin made the decision he didn’t want to be part of it anymore. A decision they knew he’d make, the way he made it, finally allowing Yzerman to start the divorce proceedings.

I feel bad for the Kane and Debrincat’s of the world. Those players truly want to be part of the organization and now, the Larkin fallout might take them somewhere new as well.

Bottom line? If Jordan Staal was Detroit’s captain these last 5 years, there's a good bet Detroit wouldn’t be in the position they are today. You can call Larkin a fraud, and likely would if you grew up in the game 20+ years ago, but so many of the newer generation of players, fans and media, view the sport much differently today than we did.

Just a thought. After everything Detroit has been through these last 10 years, they really do deserve a Landon DuPont lottery win next year, to help this team get back to where the Detroit Red Wings should be.

I'm torn on this because I can't see Larkin "Riding anybody hard", but I also remember there was a point the first time Edvinsson was called up where he and Seider supposedly said he wasn't working hard enough.

 

[TS Quint]

Maybe his character, of not taking the “easier way to jump ship” is a part of why he has two Cups now and a Smythe? Maybe Larkin should stay in Detroit and work to win there? They’ve got a very good younger group. There could be something between him and Yzerman we don’t know about though.

Ehlers now has a Cup for jumping ship. Worked out for him.

 

[Fatass]

Ehlers now has a Cup for jumping ship. Worked out for him.

Wasn’t Ehlers a UFA? Larkin has four years left on his contract. Not a comparable.

 

[FriendlyGhost92]

FWIW I don't think Staal's comment was really meant to snipe anybody, more to just speak on his own dedication, I just found it funny and timely to post here.

 

[Al48]

If anyone caught the Jordan Staal comments immediately after Game 6 (on Sportsnet) last night, you couldn’t help but think about how different a Dylan Larkin is compared to Staal, who might be one of the final old school players from the “respecting the game” standpoint.

When we all grew up in the game, from atom to pro, you heard it constantly. From your grandfather, to your dad, to your coaches, and even from other players. “Don’t disrespect the game” and “be humble, win or lose” and “you play for your teammates.”

All those one liners actually meant something. Maybe it’s the overall Canadian culture and it’s influence on the game, but I can tell you when my son played many of his years for AAA teams in Michigan, through college, it was no different than when he played in the GTHL, or the two years in Calgary. I will say this though, Michigan hockey was much more Canadian influenced than the rest of the States. So maybe that had something to do with it.

The big change happened with the kids coming out of the AAA system in the States, Michigan included, about 12-14 years ago. In many ways I think the money finally caught up to the game. The entitlement started spreading for sure.

Staal was before those times, Larkin after, and you could see the difference in the two players during that interview. Especially when he was asked about why he stayed in Carolina all these years. He said all the right things about perseverance, the love of his teammates, Raleigh, etc. All the things Dylan Larkin would say out loud, but nobody in his locker room EVER believed him.

I can 100% confirm that’s been the case for at least the last 5 years or so. The young kids in Detroit have had to walk on eggshells around Larkin unless he seen you as an equal. His relationships with Seider and Raymond, completely different from his relationships with Kasper and Johansson for example. The way he treated Danielson, Finnie, ASP and MBN this year was nowhere near what you’d expect. Especially the way Larkin was viewed by media and fans, who bought into what the Illitch marketing team was selling. Staal even made mention of the kids in Carolina, as did Taylor Hall, and how he also sees those youngsters as family, etc.

Lots of things will likely become public after Larkin has gone his merry way, and my guess is, if he’s still around, it’ll be Patrick Kane who says it out loud. There was little respect for Larkin as a leader in that locker room. The other vets put up with him, kids like Seider and Edvinsson ignored him, but he rode Marco Kasper especially, and not in a good way.

Bottom line, this breakup is the best thing that could’ve happened to Detroit long term and the worst part is, with all the power that Yzerman is perceived to have, he seen through Larkin long ago, but because the Illitch’s marketed Larkin like they had prior to Yzerman’s arrival, he was forced to keep him, and try building around him. That said, there’s always been speculation that Yzerman tried to convince the Illitch’s after every season, that this divorce needed to happen before they could really take steps forward.

That’s one of the major reasons Steve Yzerman still has his job from what I understand. That the Illitch’s are rightfully taking the blame for not allowing Yzerman to get rid of Larkin prior to him being named Captain, which was delayed if people remember, and again before his current long term contract.

Also told that Detroit brass decided (after the season) they probably need to take a step backwards this summer, and approached Larkin (about a month ago) about being part of the future, even though they told him they doubt they’ll be in the playoffs for another two years. At that point, Larkin made the decision he didn’t want to be part of it anymore. A decision they knew he’d make, the way he made it, finally allowing Yzerman to start the divorce proceedings.

I feel bad for the Kane and Debrincat’s of the world. Those players truly want to be part of the organization and now, the Larkin fallout might take them somewhere new as well.

Bottom line? If Jordan Staal was Detroit’s captain these last 5 years, there's a good bet Detroit wouldn’t be in the position they are today. You can call Larkin a fraud, and likely would if you grew up in the game 20+ years ago, but so many of the newer generation of players, fans and media, view the sport much differently today than we did.

Just a thought. After everything Detroit has been through these last 10 years, they really do deserve a Landon DuPont lottery win next year, to help this team get back to where the Detroit Red Wings should be.

This is a great post, and thank you for the read, but wasn’t Kane saying in interviews towards the end of the season how Larkin is one of those captains that you want to win for, or something along those lines. Look, I know the guy isn’t going to say “man I can’t stand Larkin”, but he seemed to be heaping a bunch of praise on him at the time.

 

[FriendlyGhost92]

I recall near the end of the season there being a rumor that Todd was told to stop calling out players by name. There did certainly seem to be less of this as time went on.

... In hindsight, wouldn't be surprised if it was Crybaby Dylan that pushed this.

 

[Galaxydoggystyle]

I really don't care if Larkin asked for a trade. Detroit is no where near ready to contend for a cup within the next 5 years. He has 5 years left on his contract and will be what? 35-36? Then his chances of winning a cup is basically 0 at that age. The issue is the 3 team trade list and thats it.

 

[Dexter Morgan]

In 1989 these weren't as well covered. There were a lot of people that thought he ran both Demers and Oates out of town, have heard it from fairly connected people. I know with Mitch Albom a few years later he made it sound different by citing the Oates trade debacle as a reason for Demers getting the ax. Behind the scenes Yzerman has always had a ton of pull with the Ilitch family according to those around the team. For as talented as the two players were Yzerman and Oates didn't really mesh great on the ice. The trade of Oates was probably the worst in Red Wings history so everyone dodges it and I think rightfully so in an era where you didn't have the 24/7 news cycle. But the three players I have always heard he disliked most in terms of teammates were Oates, Primeau, and Cujo... All of them found themselves on the business end of movements and pretty tough treatment, that isn't an accident.

The people that act like the quiet in house, media silent, stubborn negotitator Yzerman appeared in management with Canada and Tampa forget he was always that way. He had a contentious relationship with the press in Detroit, teammates he seemed to have friction with left. Guy has always had a my way or the highway approach.

Thanks for that! Always thought it was weird Detroit let Oates go and obviously didn't know why, I'm not shocked Yzerman is that way though, given the C so early he probably felt a sense of entitlement.

 

[The Zetterberg Era]

If anyone caught the Jordan Staal comments immediately after Game 6 (on Sportsnet) last night, you couldn’t help but think about how different a Dylan Larkin is compared to Staal, who might be one of the final old school players from the “respecting the game” standpoint.

When we all grew up in the game, from atom to pro, you heard it constantly. From your grandfather, to your dad, to your coaches, and even from other players. “Don’t disrespect the game” and “be humble, win or lose” and “you play for your teammates.”

All those one liners actually meant something. Maybe it’s the overall Canadian culture and it’s influence on the game, but I can tell you when my son played many of his years for AAA teams in Michigan, through college, it was no different than when he played in the GTHL, or the two years in Calgary. I will say this though, Michigan hockey was much more Canadian influenced than the rest of the States. So maybe that had something to do with it.

The big change happened with the kids coming out of the AAA system in the States, Michigan included, about 12-14 years ago. In many ways I think the money finally caught up to the game. The entitlement started spreading for sure.

Staal was before those times, Larkin after, and you could see the difference in the two players during that interview. Especially when he was asked about why he stayed in Carolina all these years. He said all the right things about perseverance, the love of his teammates, Raleigh, etc. All the things Dylan Larkin would say out loud, but nobody in his locker room EVER believed him.

I can 100% confirm that’s been the case for at least the last 5 years or so. The young kids in Detroit have had to walk on eggshells around Larkin unless he seen you as an equal. His relationships with Seider and Raymond, completely different from his relationships with Kasper and Johansson for example. The way he treated Danielson, Finnie, ASP and MBN this year was nowhere near what you’d expect. Especially the way Larkin was viewed by media and fans, who bought into what the Illitch marketing team was selling. Staal even made mention of the kids in Carolina, as did Taylor Hall, and how he also sees those youngsters as family, etc.

Lots of things will likely become public after Larkin has gone his merry way, and my guess is, if he’s still around, it’ll be Patrick Kane who says it out loud. There was little respect for Larkin as a leader in that locker room. The other vets put up with him, kids like Seider and Edvinsson ignored him, but he rode Marco Kasper especially, and not in a good way.

Bottom line, this breakup is the best thing that could’ve happened to Detroit long term and the worst part is, with all the power that Yzerman is perceived to have, he seen through Larkin long ago, but because the Illitch’s marketed Larkin like they had prior to Yzerman’s arrival, he was forced to keep him, and try building around him. That said, there’s always been speculation that Yzerman tried to convince the Illitch’s after every season, that this divorce needed to happen before they could really take steps forward.

That’s one of the major reasons Steve Yzerman still has his job from what I understand. That the Illitch’s are rightfully taking the blame for not allowing Yzerman to get rid of Larkin prior to him being named Captain, which was delayed if people remember, and again before his current long term contract.

Also told that Detroit brass decided (after the season) they probably need to take a step backwards this summer, and approached Larkin (about a month ago) about being part of the future, even though they told him they doubt they’ll be in the playoffs for another two years. At that point, Larkin made the decision he didn’t want to be part of it anymore. A decision they knew he’d make, the way he made it, finally allowing Yzerman to start the divorce proceedings.

I feel bad for the Kane and Debrincat’s of the world. Those players truly want to be part of the organization and now, the Larkin fallout might take them somewhere new as well.

Bottom line? If Jordan Staal was Detroit’s captain these last 5 years, there's a good bet Detroit wouldn’t be in the position they are today. You can call Larkin a fraud, and likely would if you grew up in the game 20+ years ago, but so many of the newer generation of players, fans and media, view the sport much differently today than we did.

Just a thought. After everything Detroit has been through these last 10 years, they really do deserve a Landon DuPont lottery win next year, to help this team get back to where the Detroit Red Wings should be.

Have heard some pretty big differences on this in particular in regards to Seider and Raymond who are very close to him.

I think he miscalculated that he wasn't hard enough on the younger players at first and attributed that to why they weren't getting where they needed to be, but yes I think he has had ups and downs from the leadership standpoint. I don't think the whole room hates him at all from what I know behind the scenes. Management has been down on him for quite some time though, I have known that. I think more than half the room hates McLellan though, including guys people in Detroit want to take over as leaders so that should be interesting next season.

I think the divorce will ultimately be good for the team, a few guys in that room also hid behind Larkin for a while, It just became toxic. Ultimately in a franchise like Detroit though for the Captain to ask out is a huge stain, something the Ilitch family feels a deep sense of betrayal especially after supporting Larkin the way they have at almost every turn. I know they are deeply stung by this and that he also miscalculated that he could get the heat up on Yzerman with them.

 

[FlyguyOX]

If anyone caught the Jordan Staal comments immediately after Game 6 (on Sportsnet) last night, you couldn’t help but think about how different a Dylan Larkin is compared to Staal, who might be one of the final old school players from the “respecting the game” standpoint.

When we all grew up in the game, from atom to pro, you heard it constantly. From your grandfather, to your dad, to your coaches, and even from other players. “Don’t disrespect the game” and “be humble, win or lose” and “you play for your teammates.”

All those one liners actually meant something. Maybe it’s the overall Canadian culture and it’s influence on the game, but I can tell you when my son played many of his years for AAA teams in Michigan, through college, it was no different than when he played in the GTHL, or the two years in Calgary. I will say this though, Michigan hockey was much more Canadian influenced than the rest of the States. So maybe that had something to do with it.

The big change happened with the kids coming out of the AAA system in the States, Michigan included, about 12-14 years ago. In many ways I think the money finally caught up to the game. The entitlement started spreading for sure.

Staal was before those times, Larkin after, and you could see the difference in the two players during that interview. Especially when he was asked about why he stayed in Carolina all these years. He said all the right things about perseverance, the love of his teammates, Raleigh, etc. All the things Dylan Larkin would say out loud, but nobody in his locker room EVER believed him.

I can 100% confirm that’s been the case for at least the last 5 years or so. The young kids in Detroit have had to walk on eggshells around Larkin unless he seen you as an equal. His relationships with Seider and Raymond, completely different from his relationships with Kasper and Johansson for example. The way he treated Danielson, Finnie, ASP and MBN this year was nowhere near what you’d expect. Especially the way Larkin was viewed by media and fans, who bought into what the Illitch marketing team was selling. Staal even made mention of the kids in Carolina, as did Taylor Hall, and how he also sees those youngsters as family, etc.

Lots of things will likely become public after Larkin has gone his merry way, and my guess is, if he’s still around, it’ll be Patrick Kane who says it out loud. There was little respect for Larkin as a leader in that locker room. The other vets put up with him, kids like Seider and Edvinsson ignored him, but he rode Marco Kasper especially, and not in a good way.

Bottom line, this breakup is the best thing that could’ve happened to Detroit long term and the worst part is, with all the power that Yzerman is perceived to have, he seen through Larkin long ago, but because the Illitch’s marketed Larkin like they had prior to Yzerman’s arrival, he was forced to keep him, and try building around him. That said, there’s always been speculation that Yzerman tried to convince the Illitch’s after every season, that this divorce needed to happen before they could really take steps forward.

That’s one of the major reasons Steve Yzerman still has his job from what I understand. That the Illitch’s are rightfully taking the blame for not allowing Yzerman to get rid of Larkin prior to him being named Captain, which was delayed if people remember, and again before his current long term contract.

Also told that Detroit brass decided (after the season) they probably need to take a step backwards this summer, and approached Larkin (about a month ago) about being part of the future, even though they told him they doubt they’ll be in the playoffs for another two years. At that point, Larkin made the decision he didn’t want to be part of it anymore. A decision they knew he’d make, the way he made it, finally allowing Yzerman to start the divorce proceedings.

I feel bad for the Kane and Debrincat’s of the world. Those players truly want to be part of the organization and now, the Larkin fallout might take them somewhere new as well.

Bottom line? If Jordan Staal was Detroit’s captain these last 5 years, there's a good bet Detroit wouldn’t be in the position they are today. You can call Larkin a fraud, and likely would if you grew up in the game 20+ years ago, but so many of the newer generation of players, fans and media, view the sport much differently today than we did.

Just a thought. After everything Detroit has been through these last 10 years, they really do deserve a Landon DuPont lottery win next year, to help this team get back to where the Detroit Red Wings should be.

As I posted earlier ITT, can confirm via directly from a former wings prospect that Larkin was an ass in this prospects first NHL game with DET.

 

[Cancuks]

Something I've always wondered. How legit does a Cup win feel if you just pick and choose a contender like say the Panthers? Seems like a cheap way of winning a Cup, going to an already stacked team that doesn't even need you.

 

[TS Quint]

Wasn’t Ehlers a UFA? Larkin has four years left on his contract. Not a comparable.

I don’t know if that was Jordan’s point but your point is taken.

 

[Heaton]

Something I've always wondered. How legit does a Cup win feel if you just pick and choose a contender like say the Panthers? Seems like a cheap way of winning a Cup, going to an already stacked team that doesn't even need you.

I think it feels better than not ever having one

 

[Waldorf]

Lots of things will likely become public after Larkin has gone his merry way, and my guess is, if he’s still around, it’ll be Patrick Kane who says it out loud. There was little respect for Larkin as a leader in that locker room. The other vets put up with him, kids like Seider and Edvinsson ignored him, but he rode Marco Kasper especially, and not in a good way.

Is it possible that some of that impacted Kasper this season, or the fact that a lot of kids who seem close to ready didn’t get as much time as we would have hoped?

 

[rynryn]

IDK what people think the Staal comments have to do with Larkin's situation or why they're being compared. Better comp would be McDavid and that's not even very close.

 

[wingsfannnn9191]

Always said Larkin wasn’t a leader and we should have traded him before the extention and I blamed Chris illitch for trying to speed up the rebuild with all those shit signings we made . No one listened

Anyways yes Dylan Larkin leaving is the best thing that could have happened and we’ll be better off longterm

Now go get a good deal or bring back Larkin and have Kasper and the boys torture him for a few months

 

[Waldorf]

IDK what people think the Staal comments have to do with Larkin's situation or why they're being compared. Better comp would be McDavid and that's not even very close.

It’s too bad we don’t have ? as a reaction because this is a genuinely puzzling statement. McDavid is a generational talent who’s put his team on his back and Larkin is a standard issue 1C. Edmonton’s entire org is bent around who he is and keeping him happy and they’ve been one game from winning it all. The comparison couldn’t be worse and that’s not even going into the details.

 

[OgeeOgelthorpe]

As I posted earlier ITT, can confirm via directly from a former wings prospect that Larkin was an ass in this prospects first NHL game with DET.

Was this before or after Larkin was captain? Not contesting it, just curious.

 

[The Zermanator]

Have heard some pretty big differences on this in particular in regards to Seider and Raymond who are very close to him.

I think he miscalculated that he wasn't hard enough on the younger players at first and attributed that to why they weren't getting where they needed to be, but yes I think he has had ups and downs from the leadership standpoint. I don't think the whole room hates him at all from what I know behind the scenes. Management has been down on him for quite some time though, I have known that. I think more than half the room hates McLellan though, including guys people in Detroit want to take over as leaders so that should be interesting next season.

I think the divorce will ultimately be good for the team, a few guys in that room also hid behind Larkin for a while, It just became toxic. Ultimately in a franchise like Detroit though for the Captain to ask out is a huge stain, something the Ilitch family feels a deep sense of betrayal especially after supporting Larkin the way they have at almost every turn. I know they are deeply stung by this and that he also miscalculated that he could get the heat up on Yzerman with them.

I believe he is saying that Larkin's relationships with Seider/Raymond were good, but not with the other youngsters:

The young kids in Detroit have had to walk on eggshells around Larkin unless he seen you as an equal. His relationships with Seider and Raymond, completely different from his relationships with Kasper and Johansson for example.

But yes I think this will be for the best, I'm excited to move on from him and I think Yzerman is positioned to do really well on this trade. Larkin has just had this dark cloud of negativity hanging above him for years now. It's strange too, for the first many years of his career he had a much more upbeat and positive attitude, and he was playing on some much worse teams for a while there too. On the one hand, yeah I can get that year after year of losing probably wore him down to some degree. But at the same time, his team was finally in a position to reasonably challenge for a playoff spot starting a few years ago and instead of confronting the challenge head on with some fire and determination, he's continually wilted as a leader and his attitude has gotten progressively worse.

So if what @Petes2424 is saying about his presence as a leader and his treatment of young players (who's NHL development Detroit depends on to improve) is true, then the benefit of shipping Larkin out should extend beyond just what he brings us back in trade.

Hopefully this is the break in the storm clouds around Detroit that lets the sunshine finally come through.