So Larkin Made Some Interesting Comments.

[SCD]

It's not the same script. Every team signs older veterans to plug the holes when they have a stellar young core (Kucherov, Hedman, Vasilevskiy, a still prime Stamkos).. The older veterans aren't supposed to be your core.

If you only think Seider and Raymond are core, you don't follow the Red Wings close enough.

 

[SlickHands]

If you only think Seider and Raymond are core, you don't follow the Red Wings close enough.

You're talking about a team going forward that has yet to show me where its #1/2 C is coming from (maybe you'll need both if Larkin gets forced out or wants out), still needs another #1D and arguably upgrades down the lineup on both D and offense, has a goaltending future that is speculative at this point, and you're telling me the core is there? Seider, Raymond, throw in Edvinsson, Kasper and whomever else you like, it's still a core missing short term solutions in many key areas.

And as much as I blamed Holland for the end of the dynastic era and how bare the cupboard was, at this point every person on this roster is there because Yzerman put them there, either through extensions, signings, or through the draft, and we're still not anywhere near a spot where I see them as anything other than a low seed team hoping for a miracle run going forward. Even as the youth integrates, you're not necessarily talking about as a rate of replacement immediately on pare with say, losing Kane when he leaves/retires, or Talbot with how he played, etc.

 

[Frk It]

You're talking about a team going forward that has yet to show me where its #1/2 C is coming from (maybe you'll need both if Larkin gets forced out or wants out), still needs another #1D and arguably upgrades down the lineup on both D and offense, has a goaltending future that is speculative at this point, and you're telling me the core is there? Seider, Raymond, throw in Edvinsson, Kasper and whomever else you like, it's still a core missing short term solutions in many key areas.

And as much as I blamed Holland for the end of the dynastic era and how bare the cupboard was, at this point every person on this roster is there because Yzerman put them there, either through extensions, signings, or through the draft, and we're still not anywhere near a spot where I see them as anything other than a low seed team hoping for a miracle run going forward. Even as the youth integrates, you're not necessarily talking about as a rate of replacement immediately on pare with say, losing Kane when he leaves/retires, or Talbot with how he played, etc.

I think we need a guy to round out the top 4, but to say we “need another 1D” is wild.

Seider is a borderline top 10 defenseman as of today and Edvinsson has top 10 potential at the position as well.

 

[Coach Reggie Dunlop]

I’m perfectly fine with what Larkin said honestly, I’d rather a guy be honest about how the locker room feels than give PR answers when the fans are frustrated. It’s good to know they in the locker room are frustrated too, but Stevie not adding was probably the right thing to do. The prices were insane. I still think it’s probably best for all involved at this point if we trade Larkin and make Seider the captain.

 

[FMichael]

If you aren't encouraged by the response in private, ask for a trade.

If you think the FO isn't holding up its end of something bargained for in private, ask for a trade.

If you aren't up for the task of being captain (something I never accused him of) don't be captain.

If you don't want to be a on rebuilding team and want to play with better players, don't sign as an unrestricted free agent.

Larkin had plenty of opportunities to handle this differently. If you like what Larkin did, I hope you also like the return he brings via trade.

If Yzerman trades Larkin - chances are Steve won't get equal value in return (unless it's a move for Marner's negotiation rights).

If fans think Yzerman f***ed-up with Lalonde - moving DBoss could dwarf that considerably...

 

[FMichael]

I’m perfectly fine with what Larkin said honestly, I’d rather a guy be honest about how the locker room feels than give PR answers when the fans are frustrated. It’s good to know they in the locker room are frustrated too, but Stevie not adding was probably the right thing to do. The prices were insane. I still think it’s probably best for all involved at this point if we trade Larkin and make Seider the captain.

Ready for another 3 to 5 years on the 'rebuild'?

 

[Coach Reggie Dunlop]

Ready for another 3 to 5 years on the 'rebuild'?

Larkin is getting a lot older and him aging out will just extend years of how long it takes for us to become contenders anyway. It’s better to rip the band aid off now and at least get something for him.

 

[DanielMarois]

What I find interesting is that when the Wings were in a playoff spot the last two years some were saying how great of a job Yzerman has done, and then when they miss the playoffs it's oh playoffs don't matter yet he is building long-term.

 

[Mr Nimbus]

I really though Craig Smith and Petr Mrazek would push us into the playoffs. It's totally the captains fault we have 3 no.3 goaltenders and 3 no.7/press box defensemen on the roster. I also can't believe he forced Yzerman to trade walman with a 2nd for nothing and acquire holl, petry and gus. The nerve of Larkin to do that and not drag them into the playoffs is unforgivable. And then to top it off, he's not all sunshine and roses in that presser? Ridiculous. Does sj have any future considerations they would part with for this cancerous player?

 

[FMichael]

Larkin is getting a lot older and him aging out will just extend years of how long it takes for us to become contenders anyway. It’s better to rip the band aid off now and at least get something for him.

Well that's 1 way to look at it and I do agree by the time this team makes the playoffs there's a good chance Larkin is north of 30...That said it's what will become of this team if Larkin is moved and Yzerman doesn't replace what he brings? It's not like there's a tree out back where you can pluck another player of similar calibre from...Might be a rough handful of years added.

 

[Zetterberg4Captain]

When is Yzermans end of season presser?

 

[stillwater]

I really though Craig Smith and Petr Mrazek would push us into the playoffs. It's totally the captains fault we have 3 no.3 goaltenders and 3 no.7/press box defensemen on the roster. I also can't believe he forced Yzerman to trade walman with a 2nd for nothing and acquire holl, petry and gus. The nerve of Larkin to do that and not drag them into the playoffs is unforgivable. And then to top it off, he's not all sunshine and roses in that presser? Ridiculous. Does sj have any future considerations they would part with for this cancerous player?

Wow, 2 posts, 75 likes. That 1st post must have really been something else.

 

[norrisnick]

In his postseason interview, Kane spoke positively about Larkin's leadership. Larkin had the game winning goal in the US's victory over Canada in the 4 Nations tournament and assisted on the empty netter.

I didn't like Larkin's comments because he created drama. Media outlets are now running stories like "Red Wings captain bashes Front Office for Failed Season" but your comments are a wee bit dramatic.

Larkin didn't create drama. Dipshits online created drama.

 

[Frk It]

When is Yzermans end of season presser?

I think right after the Larkin/Yzerrman cage match.

 

[Mr Nimbus]

Wow, 2 posts, 75 likes. That 1st post must have really been something else.

I haven't been on since the update. I also tend to read a lot more than post. And that's probably for the best.

 

[FMichael]

Wow, 2 posts, 75 likes. That 1st post must have really been something else.

He's from London - my guess with that witty banter he's Cockney from the East End...They a good lot.

 

[Rzombo4 prez]

If Yzerman trades Larkin - chances are Steve won't get equal value in return (unless it's a move for Marner's negotiation rights).

If fans think Yzerman f***ed-up with Lalonde - moving DBoss could dwarf that considerably...

Does Yzerman have the option not to trade him at this point? For the record I have said numerous times that we can't win a trade of Larkin. I don't think that will stop him from requesting a trade, however.

Why the hell would we trade Larkin for Marner's negotiating rights? You think Marner is signing in Detroit with Larkin gone? That trade would literally yield no return. Some of the stuff you people think up has me genuinely concerned.

 

[Rzombo4 prez]

Ready for another 3 to 5 years on the 'rebuild'?

You thought the rebuild was going to end sometime soon?????

 

[FMichael]

Does Yzerman have the option not to trade him at this point? For the record I have said numerous times that we can't win a trade of Larkin. I don't think that will stop him from requesting a trade, however.

Of course Yzerman doesn't have to trade him nor have I learned of any request made by Larkin...As far as I know DBoss will finish his career as a Red Wing.

Why the hell would we trade Larkin for Marner's negotiating rights? You think Marner is signing in Detroit with Larkin gone? That trade would literally yield no return. Some of the stuff you people think up has me genuinely concerned.

If Larkin does demand a trade - who would you suggest is of equal or better value that will likely be made available?

With Marner set to become a UFA this summer - wouldn't Tronna want something of value instead of losing him for nothing?

Now with Marner accepting that move and signs with Detroit he'd likely get max $$$ for 8 seasons instead of the max of 7 if he does leave and sign UFA elsewhere.

You thought the rebuild was going to end sometime soon?????

No...But by most accounts we're not 'rebuilding' (being a bottom feeder AND keeping Larkin in Detroit) as much as we're putting on the finishing touches of a roster that will be mostly comprised of draft picks by Yzerman & Co...Now whether we make the playoffs or not is a different scenario.

 

[TheClap]

In training camp before the start of this season, Larkin made the comment about their struggles down the stretch of last year to the effect of "Some players last year lacked the intensity and focus on the road and that was addressed in the offseason," clearly a shot at Walman and possibly others.

Combining that with his play down the stretch this season and his recent comments, I'd say Dylan can f*** off. I got no love for the job Stevie's done either, but you're part of the problem buddy.

I'm really curious what went down with Walman that they felt he had to be moved with a 2nd round pick. Was it Lalonde? Was it Yzerman? Was it a salty team captain whining to Lalonde and Yzerman?

 

[Henkka]

But for real, I think Yzerman's response will go like this:

He'll say he thinks people are blowing these comments out of proportion, and that you could have gotten this press conference out of him (Yzerman) many times during his career. He'll say that he views being upset like this as a good thing, because it shows how passionate Larkin is, and he'll say he's upset about the season, too. He'll say he has no concerns about Larkin as captain.

He'll then add that he tried to make moves at the deadline, but prices were very high, and that given the circumstances (injuries, etc), he thinks standing pat was the right move. He'll say he thought they had the ability to make the playoffs as-is. He'll point to Montreal making the playoffs with no additions.

Somebody will ask if the team will be better this year. He'll say he expects them to compete for a playoff spot, but doesn't expect a big trade.

End of press conference

Great post. This is the situation like it is.

 

[RedHawkDown]

I really though Craig Smith and Petr Mrazek would push us into the playoffs. It's totally the captains fault we have 3 no.3 goaltenders and 3 no.7/press box defensemen on the roster. I also can't believe he forced Yzerman to trade walman with a 2nd for nothing and acquire holl, petry and gus. The nerve of Larkin to do that and not drag them into the playoffs is unforgivable. And then to top it off, he's not all sunshine and roses in that presser? Ridiculous. Does sj have any future considerations they would part with for this cancerous player?

A whole post full of strawmen? Dylan, you can post here under your own name, what is Mr. Nimbus anyway ?

 

[RedHawkDown]

Larkin didn't create drama. Dipshits online created drama.

Other people reacting to what you say is the definition of “creating drama”. Drama only exists as others reactions to your actions.

 

[Henkka]

Larkin is getting a lot older and him aging out will just extend years of how long it takes for us to become contenders anyway. It’s better to rip the band aid off now and at least get something for him.

Larkin is not gonna regress a bit until he is 33-34.

This "getting old" is totally owerblown shit talk.

Team depth is missing. Larkin is the problem zero. ZERO. And I mean ZERO.

 

[USAHockey97]

A few facts for your consideration:

• Raymond put up 80 points this year.
• Edivinsson tied for 1st for most even-strength goals among d-men 21 or younger.
• Marco Kasper was 2nd for even-strength goals among rookies, tied with Macklin Celebrini.
• Axel Sandin-Pelikka may follow in the footsteps of Quinn Hughes and Lane Hutson based on his SHL production.

But if your point is Detroit isn't getting a 100 point center, I guess you are correct.

Oh don’t get me wrong, I want every Detroit prospect to pan out. I was referring to just the prospect pool as of right now. Outside of Pelikka, all listed have graduated.

Raymond is the best offensive player of the bunch. I hope he hits 100 points but he needs offensive support. Kasper had a good first year as a winger. I’m not sure if that pace will continue as a center with more defensive responsibilities. Edvinsson is great no doubt. Pelikka remains to be seen. If all pan out as of right now, they have an elite RW, a solid 2C and a top defensive pairing. Need more. Larkin is aging and Debricat is a solid winger. Our goalie prospects look good too.

Who else could be an elite forward like Raymond?