What would you trade Larkin for... a thought exercise

[Rzombo4 prez]

He has full NTC so any trade discussion has to begin with an assumption that he is asking for a trade which typically hurts trade value. Fans are typically disappointed in the returns of star players. It is tough to win a deal where you move the best player, especially in the short term. All of that said, you present a legitimate perspective.

On the other hand, my question is: has an asset like Larkin been traded recently?

Quality 1st line player, prime aged, long term value contract. There is absolutely no uncertainty attached to Larkin which is the exact opposite situation of any star player trade I can think of.

Star's that are traded are typically pending free agents, have injury concerns, are overpaid, or demand out.

In Larkin's situation any version of this would probably fly under the radar for a while. Why? Two reasons. 1) I'd guess Larkin's top priority in this hypothetical would be playoffs/competing implying some level of flexibility on his landing spot 2) I don't think he'd want to completely sewer the organization on the way out so the "demand" would be more so of the nature of "let's work together to find a win-win change for Larkin and the Red Wings"

Yzerman runs a tight ship and because of the contract has no obligation to trade Larkin. I think trade talks would fly under the radar mitigating the impact the NTC has on the trade value.

All of that said, I'm probably talking my self into hypothetical disappoint because of my first paragraph. It just seems like a unique scenario. Realistically the range of outcomes is somewhere between Horvat and Rantanen imo.


Regardless, other than off season BS'n were a long ways away from this hypothetical.

It is really hard to piece something together. The teams that would want Larkin (and who Larkin would waive for) are most certainly further into their competitive window than Detroit is, and likely lack young premium assets at positions we covet (center and defense). They have been good enough long enough that their best prospects weren't high draft picks. To kick you in the balls for good measure, those teams also have first round draft picks toward the back part of the first round(say 22 OA +). Of those teams, I do think MN might be the most sensible landing spot. Like I have said, I don't think we can win a trade of Larkin. The thought exercise, however, is predicated on him demanding a trade.

 

[RedHawkDown]

I'd be very happy with a Rossi + Ohgren return. I'm not sure why Rossi is so hated? He seems to be a responsible 2 way player and puts up points.

 

[USAHockey97]

If you don't view Kasper as a "hit" you have a totally different definition of the word than I do.

I said Kasper looks decent so far. He’s been in the league one year. I’m reserving judgement but he appears to be on the way to being a hit. I might have a different definition of hit than you. He’s a first rounder but also a top 10 pick. IMO, I want to see him crack 50 points or more in at least two seasons. Again, he looks like he’s on his way there but just because he made the NHL doesn’t make a hit in my book as he was too 10. He’s supposed to make it. The odds are higher.

 

[Pavels Dog]

I said Kasper looks decent so far. He’s been in the league one year. I’m reserving judgement but he appears to be on the way to being a hit. I might have a different definition of hit than you. He’s a first rounder but also a top 10 pick. IMO, I want to see him crack 50 points or more in at least two seasons. Again, he looks like he’s on his way there but just because he made the NHL doesn’t make a hit in my book as he was too 10. He’s supposed to make it. The odds are higher.

Hit is a player who makes the NHL as a regular. Miss is one who doesn’t.

 

[USAHockey97]

Hit is a player who makes the NHL as a regular. Miss is one who doesn’t.

You do not take into account a player’s draft position/ranking when selected?

I mean that’s fine, but I would say a player who hit in the third round carries more weight than a top 10 pick. The odds were against that 3rd rounder making it. Your top 10 pick almost certainly should make it. A top 10 hit would be someone who lives up to expectations of that draft position. Not merely makes the NHL.

If a top 10 pick and 5th rounder player both make the NHL, do you consider them hits if they only play on the 3rd line for example? Granted Kasper has played on both the first and second lines which is why I think he will be a hit in my book soon as he will likely get 50 points consistently.

I just think the term hit fluctuates with where a player is drafted in the draft along with making the NHL. That said, after pick 15 having someone make the NHL is an important step.

 

[Rzombo4 prez]

I'd be very happy with a Rossi + Ohgren return. I'm not sure why Rossi is so hated? He seems to be a responsible 2 way player and puts up points.

Personally I don't like small centers. I think it rubs MN the wrong way as well. There is definitely a group of posters who think the smaller the player the better. I want no part of that when it comes to the center position.

 

[Winger98]

I don't like smaller players in general. My hope with Rossi is that Danielson/Kasper would excel enough to shift him to wing where his size would be less of an issue.

 

[lilidk]

Thought exercise; if we trade Larkin then Minnesota is a team that would greatly benefit from it. They have a good prospect pool of guys just knocking on the door.

Larkin for Ohgren and Zeev Buium.

That’s about as close to win win that we’re going to get. Detroit gets younger with a solid top 6 winger prospect and a top 4 D prospect. Minnesota gets a top line center that’s better than anyone else they’ve had in the past.

It’s also only successful for Detroit if both Danielson and Kasper prove to be legit top 6 centers. on m Larkin and first for Rossi and Buium

Trade pitch has Larkin and first for Rossi and Buium. Both of them will be much better than our pick. Problem is I don't see Kasper as Larkin replacement and Danielson sealing is not even close.

 

[RedHawkDown]

Personally I don't like small centers. I think it rubs MN the wrong way as well. There is definitely a group of posters who think the smaller the player the better. I want no part of that when it comes to the center position.

I’d just play him on Kaspers wing.

 

[ShanahanMan]

Hit is a player who makes the NHL as a regular. Miss is one who doesn’t.

Oh come on. Thats basically saying Ras and Veleno were “hits” too then.

 

[Our Lady Peace]

I'm of the belief that the team that's acquires the best player in a trade, is usually the winner. I'm not trading him unless I'm getting a better player

Larkin is 29 by next season, so eventually moving him to the wing in a couple seasons is probably the safest bet

 

[SirloinUB]

I'm of the belief that the team that's acquires the best player in a trade, is usually the winner. I'm not trading him unless I'm getting a better player

Larkin is 29 by next season, so eventually moving him to the wing in a couple seasons is probably the safest bet

I don't think its an invalid thought to look at Larkin's age, look at the current results, the young core and wonder about our options here. I totally get the line of thinking to acquire high end talent that aligns better.


That said, I'm totally with you. Truth be told, we'd be extremely lucky if we got back anything that ever delivers the kind of impact Larkin does. Trading Larkin creates a massive hole on this team.

 

[Zetterberg4Captain]

You trade DL and dont get a young top 6 center back, then SY needs to be removed...

 

[Zetterberg4Captain]

Larkin and mrazek
For
McTavish and Gibson

 

[FMichael]

Personally I don't like small centers. I think it rubs MN the wrong way as well. There is definitely a group of posters who think the smaller the player the better. I want no part of that when it comes to the center position.

Where's a Keith Primeau type when you need him?

(minus the attitude while a Red Wing)