Rumor: Larkin requests trade

[Shaman464]

I’m not sure how to dumb this down any further.

Hockey GMs who tie up 9M in an asset and then decide to not play it aren’t usually effective or successful.

Let’s put this into other terms, you run a business and buy a 9M piece of machinery that you believe will help your business. Then you use it but find out that it’s not a fit for your operations. Based on what you suggest, you’d just go park it in the backlot and let it depreciate versus sending it out for auction or resale because your too proud to. Ok then.

You don’t need to dumb it down because your understanding of asset management is poor. Larkin isn’t a jug of milk or a busted lathe. He’s a human under contract who has his own wants. He wants to win a Cup. He wants it enough to completely destroy his legacy in Detroit. So he wants to bad. Because he’s a human he has wants that can be used against him. Until he’s traded he has to report to LCA. And as his mangers Yzerman and McLellan are able to turn the screws on him to erode his demands. Without Larkin the team is likely already looking at a lottery season next year, them pushing Larkin down the lineup doesn’t change anything. And getting a top 3 pick next year is better for Detroit next year then trading Larkin for Trocheck plus some peanuts and being 12th worst in the league. So waiting for Larkin to soften his list because he he doesn’t want to humiliated and having one of his last prime years wasted is a real strategy.

 

[The Zetterberg Era]

I have had my differences with Yzerman, I don’t believe he has been aggressive enough and I think it is a major part of how we got here.

But this scenario does flip in terms of how he operates and where I have a comfort level in him being in charge of this as strange as that might sound. If Larkin has a three team trade list and the offers are not good enough Yzerman doesn’t have to do that. While I thought the Ilitch family should put a timeline on him for next year before moving him into Jimmy D’s role, I am somewhat confident he will be placed in charge of this process.

Larkin has leverage to avoid a disaster destination. However, if he is declining known contenders at the deadline that would be curious. With five years left he has to play as difficult as that is to see in Detroit I don’t think Yzerman will be scared of that. He can make a good hockey trade here, I just don’t believe it can be heavily future based but that might depend if a crazy futures package materializes.

Unfortunate we find ourselves here and I get other fanbases trying to get this on the cheap. I am very worried about where other guys in the room are, but he isn’t being forced out he has asked for it himself which is entirely different than how most discussed this. Yzerman has struggled here, but he is presented a big opportunity here even if it is daunting.

 

[Lazlo Hollyfeld]

This is worse than the Dead Things era.

Not even close.

 

[Shaman464]

I have had my differences with Yzerman, I don’t believe he has been aggressive enough and I think it is a major part of how we got here.

But this scenario does flip in terms of how he operates and where I have a comfort level in him being in charge of this as strange as that might sound. If Larkin has a three team trade list and the offers are not good enough Yzerman doesn’t have to do that. While I thought the Ilitch family should put a timeline on him for next year before moving him into Jimmy D’s role, I am somewhat confident he will be placed in charge of this process.

Larkin has leverage to avoid a disaster destination. However, if he is declining known contenders at the deadline that would be curious. With five years left he has to play as difficult as that is to see in Detroit I don’t think Yzerman will be scared of that. He can make a good hockey trade here, I just don’t believe it can be heavily future based but that might depend if a crazy futures package materializes.

Unfortunate we find ourselves here and I get other fanbases trying to get this on the cheap. I am very worried about where other guys in the room are, but he isn’t being forced out he has asked for it himself which is entirely different than how most discussed this. Yzerman has struggled here, but he is presented a big opportunity here even if it is daunting.

Larkin has no leverage. He’s under contract for 5 more years and until traded he has to report to LCA. And he can do it as the 13th forward if he’s a twat about it. I’m not sure how many times I have to say it but there is nothing forcing Yzerman to trade him until he has the offer he wants on the table. And if Yzerman still has a pair that will be what he tells Larkin. That either he wants out bad enough to move to a non-preferred destination or he’s going to have to play for the Wings until the team he wants to join ponies up.

 

[The Zetterberg Era]

Not even close.

My Dad said this is worse. Your incompetent ownership are the Ilitch’s not an already hated family. Yzerman is the one failing not Ned Harkness. It’s also a harder league to turn it around all the way to the top in.

Even if we want to put the Dead Things era at rock bottom, this if the second worst era in 100 years of Red Wings hockey. It’s really bad.

 

[The Zetterberg Era]

Larkin has no leverage. He’s under contract for 5 more years and until traded he has to report to LCA. And he can do it as the 13th forward if he’s a twat about it. I’m not sure how many times I have to say it but there is nothing forcing Yzerman to trade him until he has the offer he wants on the table. And if Yzerman still has a pair that will be what he tells Larkin. That either he wants out bad enough to move to a non-preferred destination or he’s going to have to play for the Wings until the team he wants to join ponies up.

They both have leverage. Much like all parties be they the players, management, coaches and ownership are at fault for where we are. These are not all or nothing just like all other elements of life.

But yes if an unacceptable offer is the best we can do now, we aren’t going to do that. This isn’t a player with two years or under left. But I think unlike fans on the main boards we are going to get some legitimate offers.

 

[Todd1a]

Jason Robertson - I don't know why people think he'd sign long-term in Detroit, especially without Larkin. He's a RFA. He can nix any trade by not negotiating with any potential team that's acquiring him. Someone explain to me how this would work otherwise. It's a waste of time even discussing him.

Nico Hischier - I get that, player for player, this makes the most sense on paper. Why do Devils make this move? Pierre Lebrun recently said extension talks are going well and he sees him likely back in New Jersey. That could change, but I see Hischier going to free agency rather that sign long-term in Detroit. I don't see him signing an extension without even playing a game. For Larkin, I'm not sure New Jersey is a better destination to win now, either.

Most Likely Destinations: Minnesota, Florida, Tampa Bay, Vegas, Dallas, Montreal

Trade Scenarios:

- Minnesota: Wallstedt, Yurov/Stramel, 1st round pick in 2027

• Stramel played with Augustine at Michigan State. I personally think they should go for Wallstedt)

- Florida: Lundell, 1st round pick (9th overall in 2026)

• I like this move the best because it gives Detroit a top-ish pick for this draft and really re-starts the rebuild. Lundell is similar ages to Seider and Raymond. Think he's also ready for a bigger role.

- Tampa Bay: Cirelli, 1st round pick in 2028

• I don't think Tampa Bay has any great trade assets. They don't have a pick until 2028. Cirelli is a good player but not the best value. I don't see Tampa being a good trade partner here and think they would be out.

- Vegas: Dorofeyev, 1st round pick in 2028

• Similar to Tampa, Vegas doesn't have any great assets, either. Stone and Karlsson are aging centers and are UFA after next year. They'll want some contingencies in place as they age out. I don't like any deal with Vegas so I consider them out, too.

- Montreal: Hage, Kapanen, 1st round pick in 2026

• Pretty good package. I think Detroit may need to also take back Gallagher's contract, too. But I don't see Larkin wanting to go to Montreal.

- Dallas: Bichsel, Bourque, 1st round pick in 2027

• Not my favorite package, but still decent. Maybe Detroit can get more if they agree to take Seguin's contract.

Cirell isn’t waving his NTC for Detroit coming from a Tampa fan

 

[Lazlo Hollyfeld]

My Dad said this is worse. Your incompetent ownership are the Ilitch’s not an already hated family. Yzerman is the one failing not Ned Harkness. It’s also a harder league to turn it around all the way to the top in.

Even if we want to put the Dead Things era at rock bottom, this if the second worst era in 100 years of Red Wings hockey. It’s really bad.

It's not close by any metric. Ownership isn't nearly as bad. Look at the records of the Red Wings from 1967 to 1986. They almost never made the playoffs in an era when practically every team did.

The current Red Wings have improved all but one season and missed the playoffs by a tiebreaker in a league that's more competitive and salary capped.

It may feel like it after 20+ years of success, but this is still not even close to the Dead Wings era. It was longer and it was worse.

 

[The Zetterberg Era]

It's not close by any metric. Ownership isn't nearly as bad. Look at the records of the Red Wings from 1967 to 1986. They almost never made the playoffs in an era when practically every team did.

The current Red Wings have improved all but one season and missed the playoffs by a tiebreaker in a league that's more competitive and salary capped.

It may feel like it after 20+ years of success, but this is still not even close to the Dead Wings era. It was longer and it was worse.

This era isn’t over yet either, if we get bent over and blown apart here, not necessarily what I think is going to happen but certainly a potential outcome.

I think that it is happening to either the most popular or second most popular person in franchise history makes this extremely tough.

 

[Shaman464]

They both have leverage. Much like all parties be they the players, management, coaches and ownership are at fault for where we are. These are not all or nothing just like all other elements of life.

But yes if an unacceptable offer is the best we can do now, we aren’t going to do that. This isn’t a player with two years or under left. But I think unlike fans on the main boards we are going to get some legitimate offers.

What leverage does Larkin have?

 

[The Zetterberg Era]

What leverage does Larkin have?

He has a full NTC for the next two seasons. But I expect his list will expand from three or four teams to around 8 if he is serious about it.

 

[Shaman464]

He has a full NTC for the next two seasons. But I expect his list will expand from three or four teams to around 8 if he is serious about it.

That’s not leverage though. Detroit doesn’t need to trade him. They can force him to be the 13th forward for the next two years and Larkin couldn’t do anything about it. But Larkin can’t force Detroit to trade him. So he has no leverage.

 

[Inspiration]

I think it was another team. Neither the Wings or Larkin’s camp denied the news once Friedman heard he was out there.

That is why a national guy had it instead of someone in Detroit.

How would another team know that Larkin requested a trade?

 

[Leibinger6]

He can make a good hockey trade here, I just don’t believe it can be heavily future based but that might depend if a crazy futures package materializes.

Very true. As a general manager, you have to operate with the mindset of “leaving it better than I found it”. Even if that leads to your termination.

Some team will absolutely propose a crazy good futures package. As much as I want playoff hockey (like yesterday), SY will have to seriously consider accepting a team’s desperate overpayment.

The ones here banging the drum of.. “we need assets to win now”, will be the same ones complaining when we finish 17th in the league standings.

To compete for a Cup now, we need to swap Larkin for an upgrade or equivalent. Highly unlikely given a contending team isn’t going to want to lose win-now assets. Dylan also will want to see the path. Let’s say we pull that off though. We’ll need to acquire at least another 1-2 really good players via UFA or trade.

Do we really see SY pulling this off, after everything he’s done up to this point?

Now let’s say he swaps Dylan for a similar NHL ready Center, but does nothing else.. where does that put us? 17th in the standings.

There needs to be a plan and benchmarks. Too long have we straddled the line of rebuild and win-now, and it just spins the tires.

 

[ricky0034]

That’s not leverage though. Detroit doesn’t need to trade him. They can force him to be the 13th forward for the next two years and Larkin couldn’t do anything about it. But Larkin can’t force Detroit to trade him. So he has no leverage.

that would generate bad publicity and locker room vibes and would probably damage his trade value as well if he wasn't playing

it's not enough for Larkin to literally pick a specific team to go to and the Wings pull the trigger on that even if it means an awful return but it IS probably enough for him to be able to veto a few places he really doesn't want to go to

 

[The Zetterberg Era]

That’s not leverage though. Detroit doesn’t need to trade him. They can force him to be the 13th forward for the next two years and Larkin couldn’t do anything about it. But Larkin can’t force Detroit to trade him. So he has no leverage.

You’re not going to press box your only top 6 center

They will strip him of the captaincy and he will play while boos rain down on him. He isn’t going to sit out and forgo 8.7 million either. He also needs to be in NHL shape for the team he goes to.

I think realistically Detroit will want to move on now. But it doesn’t have to happen right away if a comfortable offer doesn’t appear. But this is damaging league wide in terms of perception and I am sure if he can find a good landing Yzerman will move on.

 

[The Zetterberg Era]

How would another team know that Larkin requested a trade?

They have been talking to Yzerman…

Just because Stevie is a steel trap doesn’t mean the other teams are.

 

[Shaman464]

that would generate bad publicity and locker room vibes and would probably damage his trade value as well if he wasn't playing

it's not enough for Larkin to literally pick a specific team to go to and the Wings pull the trigger on that even if it means an awful return but it IS probably enough for him to be able to veto a few places he really doesn't want to go to

Larkin already lost the publicity war. As for the locker room, it sounds like Larkin has been a sulking asshole for years now. I have to think his teammates, if they weren’t already not on his side will be against him now that he’s trying to jump ship. As for his trade value? What contending team has a package that won’t set Detroit back years anyway? I can’t name one that could afford to do a hockey trade for a Larkin level player today or has a player with first line center ceiling in their farm. And Detroit shouldn’t accept any trade that can’t yield a top center back. Not when the top 3 centers after Larkin combined for 80 points over 240 games.

 

[Shaman464]

You’re not going to press box your only top 6 center

They will strip him of the captaincy and he will play while boos rain down on him. He isn’t going to sit out and forgo 8.7 million either. He also needs to be in NHL shape for the team he goes to.

I think realistically Detroit will want to move on now. But it doesn’t have to happen right away if a comfortable offer doesn’t appear. But this is damaging league wide in terms of perception and I am sure if he can find a good landing Yzerman will move on.

Can isn’t the same would or should. But he has no leverage. Detroit might want to move on quick but Larkin can’t force that. He has no leverage to make Yzerman accept a trade.

 

[Inspiration]

They have been talking to Yzerman…

Just because Stevie is a steel trap doesn’t mean the other teams are.

Why would Yzerman tell them that Larkin requested a trade? All they would know is that Larkin is available. They may be able to speculate as to the reason, but that's different than knowing.

 

[Heaton]

Why would Yzerman tell them that Larkin requested a trade? All they would know is that Larkin is available. They may be able to speculate as to the reason, but that's different than knowing.

Because Larkin has a NTC.

 

[Shaman464]

Why would Yzerman tell them that Larkin requested a trade? All they would know is that Larkin is available. They may be able to speculate as to the reason, but that's different than knowing.

I’m going to assume that it would come out from Yzerman or Larkin’s agent during the talking process because of the NTC. Most GMs are going to wonder why a team’s top center is available.

 

[The Zetterberg Era]

Why would Yzerman tell them that Larkin requested a trade? All they would know is that Larkin is available. They may be able to speculate as to the reason, but that's different than knowing.

So Friedman hears his name is out there in a trade discussion. Let’s just use Minny since that is the feeling with some but still speculation. But Friedman asks how are you keeping Quinn on this three year deal also out there and he says he is landing a #1 center.

Like the Winged Wheel Pod discussed you have people around Minnesota mocking trades with Larkin that is odd. But it keeps happening, Guerin seems confident when you’re talking to him, so you just keep digging. Maybe they even say we are approaching Detroit about him hiding the request. Then you are talking to a different GM and his name comes up again. Remember Friedman said he was working on this for a bit. So now you have enough to ask his agency. Most agencies won’t lie, they can ask you to hold the story for a bit , hey this is delicate. But Barry and Brisson aren’t going to necessarily deny it outright, because well it did happen. Now you talk to people around Detroit who don’t deny the story as well. Your non-denials put you over the target.

Your original ins on the story might be nowhere near Detroit or Larkin’s agency. In fact with both sides displeased I am inclined to think they weren’t the leak at all at this point.

 

[Lazlo Hollyfeld]

I’m going to assume that it would come out from Yzerman or Larkin’s agent during the talking process because of the NTC. Most GMs are going to wonder why a team’s top center is available.

Agreed.

Yzerman generally won't even confirm the color of the tie he's wearing standing in front of you, so I can see him trying to keep this underwraps. Same for Larkin as well because he had to know it would blow up his summer and make him look more like the bad guy.

 

[chuckt]

It's wild to me the suggestion that Yzerman would sit Larkin and allow him to be disgruntled and a distraction in the locker room. This is the GM that gave up a 2nd and a 1st round pick (the latter being opportunity cost), to get Walman away from the team. That's nearly the bulk of an entire draft class when you consider how infrequently 3-7th round picks meaningfully hit.

I don't think Larkin goes for low value, but I also don't think Yzerman will squeeze him for maximum.