Your Rebuild Opinion? Next Move Coming?

[Oddbob]

I question his leadership because he blamed others, while doing an disappearing act. It is not what good leaders do.

Did he disappear when he literally hit his normal pt and stat production in almost every category? He didn't disappear, this team is simply quite crappy.

We have 1 good scoring line, 1 total good D pair, that didn't even play together most of the season, giving us 2 crappier D pairs and a really shitty 3rd pair. We have mostly no secondary scoring, but somehow that is Larkin and Raymond's fault who along with Seider are the only reason we aren't with the Sharks in the standings. Then those lower 6 guys didn't make up for lack of scoring by being really good at defence, physicality or something, they were average at that at best.

 

[Oddbob]

I’m so glad Copp was interviewed to offset the regular Dylan Larkin Pity Party. Imagine listening to Larkin everyday in that locker room.

Cringe city.

Yeah, cause you know what he is like in the locker room.

 

[datsyukfan]

I've felt a bit skeptical of Larkin's ability to lead this team for quite some time. I don't know how to explain it but it's like, you get a feeling just from looking at someone lol. Then he's weeping in front of the whole hockey world because his teammate was traded. Yzerman, Lidstrom, even Zetterberg would've never done that. He just comes across as soft. Not taking anything away from him as a player, he's a fine hockey player. I'm just not sold on him being the captain.

Obviously my opinion probably isn't based in reality and what goes on behind closed doors with this team. Even if I'm wrong here, I'll refuse to back off this opinion!

Ya those guys never really had to deal with being a consistent dumpster fire for their whole careers, the were playing on Stanley cup contending teams most of their careers. It’s not apples to apples. If they were trading away a player it was because they were bringing in a better one. With Larkin it’s always been trading away a player to bring in a draft pick

 

[datsyukfan]

You trade him for two first rd picks and sign a vet to a 3yr deal to offset the loss until the prospects are ready.

Yes.

And those guys are all gonna sign here why? You just traded arguably your 2 best players. Kane won’t come back after you dealt his best friend

 

[newfy]

Did he disappear when he literally hit his normal pt and stat production in almost every category? He didn't disappear, this team is simply quite crappy.

We have 1 good scoring line, 1 total good D pair, that didn't even play together most of the season, giving us 2 crappier D pairs and a really shitty 3rd pair. We have mostly no secondary scoring, but somehow that is Larkin and Raymond's fault who along with Seider are the only reason we aren't with the Sharks in the standings. Then those lower 6 guys didn't make up for lack of scoring by being really good at defence, physicality or something, they were average at that at best.

12 points in 20 games in the playoff hunt from February 25th onwards was definitely a bit of a disappearing act this year from Larkin. I'm not sure what went on but he was a big factor in the wings not making playoffs.

The last 3 seasons combined prior to this one he's been 2 points under point per game total, this season he was 12 points under alone. And that's after 5 points in 5 games after being essentially eliminated from the playoffs

I'm not saying trade him, I'm not saying he's the only one at fault but he did disappear. He is the captain and the year old melt downs have become a thing recently. He's not free from blame at all and he definitely didn't hit his normal point totals this season.

I've seen some people in here saying trade him for picks. There's no way you're trading him for picks only, a really good, young center needs to be coming back. If LA called this off-season and said we'll take Larkin for a package starting with Byfield and Greentree? I'm definitely thinking hard about it, but Larkin is young enough to win some games with the young core and him as the savvy vet too

 

[SirKillalot]

How a person answers questions in the media doesn't tell us even one little thing about whether or not they are a good leader. We as fans don't know one way or the other if he is good or not, because we aren't in the room.

Actually your media presence and how you respond to things also in public, does show part of how you are as a leader. Now, this type of interview right after the season I think we should take with a grain of salt.

But, I think a captain should come across with more assertiveness in his answers even if he don't quite got the answer to everything. I think its wrong to use the word soft, as I don't think that fits, but but giving interviews like this certainly don't make you come across as a natural leader.

So a bit more punch seems to be needed.

Again, might be the grain of salt thing here, but even in a loss I would like to see more fire and not just what looks to be exhaustion for several of the players.

 

[Winger98]

I think way too much is being made of an exit interview.

He had a rough march and was apparently a little banged up from the NHL's gimmick tourny. I don't think it's a stretch of hockey or an interview worthy of shifting entire opinions on the guy.

 

[nbwingsfan]

12 points in 20 games in the playoff hunt from February 25th onwards was definitely a bit of a disappearing act this year from Larkin. I'm not sure what went on but he was a big factor in the wings not making playoffs.

The last 3 seasons combined prior to this one he's been 2 points under point per game total, this season he was 12 points under alone. And that's after 5 points in 5 games after being essentially eliminated from the playoffs

I'm not saying trade him, I'm not saying he's the only one at fault but he did disappear. He is the captain and the year old melt downs have become a thing recently. He's not free from blame at all and he definitely didn't hit his normal point totals this season.

I've seen some people in here saying trade him for picks. There's no way you're trading him for picks only, a really good, young center needs to be coming back. If LA called this off-season and said we'll take Larkin for a package starting with Byfield and Greentree? I'm definitely thinking hard about it, but Larkin is young enough to win some games with the young core and him as the savvy vet too

As I’ve already stated previously. He’s not the elite of the elite (Kuch, Mack, McDavid, etc) who don’t really go on extended cold spells. Hes going to have times when he doesn’t produce at PPG level.

The problem is when the top line isn’t scoring, the rest of the offense is essentially useless offensively to pickup the slack.

But sure, blame the second best PPG forward on the team. It’s clearly his fault.

Not Compher and his 11g/33pts

Not Tarasenko and his 11g/32pts

Not Rasmussen and his 11g/22pts

Who combine for like $13M

 

[Bob Probert Owns You]

The entire 3rd and 4th lines need to be wiped/replaced. Get some size/speed/grit into the lineup.

Same for the 3rd pairing D - get some nasty disposition shot blocking mouth breathers who have no idea how to score a goal, but breaking their stick on your windpipe comes second nature.

 

[SirloinUB]

Yawn.

Hockey fans blaming their best players for all of the team’s problems is a tale as old as time.

 

[ShanahanMan]

The entire 3rd and 4th lines need to be wiped/replaced. Get some size/speed/grit into the lineup.

Same for the 3rd pairing D - get some nasty disposition shot blocking mouth breathers who have no idea how to score a goal, but breaking their stick on your windpipe comes second nature.

Basically our entire team. I’d argue only Raymond, Larkin, Debrincat, Kasper are top 6 players.

 

[newfy]

As I’ve already stated previously. He’s not the elite of the elite (Kuch, Mack, McDavid, etc) who don’t really go on extended cold spells. Hes going to have times when he doesn’t produce at PPG level.

The problem is when the top line isn’t scoring, the rest of the offense is essentially useless offensively to pickup the slack.

But sure, blame the second best PPG forward on the team. It’s clearly his fault.

Not Compher and his 11g/33pts

Not Tarasenko and his 11g/32pts

Not Rasmussen and his 11g/22pts

Who combine for like $13M

I'm not giving anyone else a pass, but trying to give Larkin a free pass is equally bad. 2 major meltdowns to end the last couple seasons when they were in the drivers seat to make playoffs with him as captain is going to catch some heat. His production falling off a cliff in the heat of the wild card race is going to catch some criticism.

Compher Tarasenko and Ras aren't paid like first line players, who go to 4 nations and look like the best player on their team, only to turn around and perform poorly for the team he's the captain of down the stretch. He's also been around for a while now

Bottom 6 needs a complete retool, Larkin needed to show up and perform like he had all season long when the pressure was on... he didnt. I personally don't hold bottom 6 players to the same standard as the captain and could trade/ship out about 6 players in the bottom 6.... doesn't change that Larkin choked for whatever reason this year down the stretch

 

[GarlicbreadTB]

Basically our entire team. I’d argue only Raymond, Larkin, Debrincat, Kasper are top 6 players.

 

[RedHawkDown]

@Petes2424 any idea on whether there's smoke around Larkin given his recent comments?

 

[nbwingsfan]

I'm not giving anyone else a pass, but trying to give Larkin a free pass is equally bad. 2 major meltdowns to end the last couple seasons when they were in the drivers seat to make playoffs with him as captain is going to catch some heat. His production falling off a cliff in the heat of the wild card race is going to catch some criticism.

Compher Tarasenko and Ras aren't paid like first line players, who go to 4 nations and look like the best player on their team, only to turn around and perform poorly for the team he's the captain of down the stretch. He's also been around for a while now

Bottom 6 needs a complete retool, Larkin needed to show up and perform like he had all season long when the pressure was on... he didnt. I personally don't hold bottom 6 players to the same standard as the captain and could trade/ship out about 6 players in the bottom 6.... doesn't change that Larkin choked for whatever reason this year down the stretch

Larkin looked like the best player for USA?

Larkin produced at basically the same pace throughout the season as he always does. Very little deviation there.

If he hadn’t produced better than that before, than we would have never even been in the race in the first place.

The point is there is absolutely no one to pickup the slack when he inevitably goes through a cold spell. Expecting a guy who’s never scored at a 90pt pace to do that all season long is very weird.

 

[newfy]

Larkin looked like the best player for USA?

Larkin produced at basically the same pace throughout the season as he always does. Very little deviation there.

If he hadn’t produced better than that before, than we would have never even been in the race in the first place.

The point is there is absolutely no one to pickup the slack when he inevitably goes through a cold spell. Expecting a guy who’s never scored at a 90pt pace to do that all season long is very weird.

Larkin was absolutely one of the USAs best players in 4 nations, not sure why you would even argue that? He ended up the first line center between Matthews and Brady to end the tourney. Sift through this thread if you're misremembering . The only forward that was probably better was Eichel.

He didn't produce at the same place he always does though once he got back from 4 nations is the point. His last 3 years he's been a point per game player basically. This year he's 12 points under point per game and that's with some bounce back production after the team was ousted from the playoffs basically.

No one picking up the slack is obviously part of the issue, but being 12 points under point per game this year, and the loss in that production coming when the pressure was on is not a good performance from him. Neither is talking about not getting help at the deadline. The Habs didn't get help, but Suzuki, a guy who historically is close with Larkin skill wise, popped off down the stretch and willed his team in.

No one gets a free pass, there's lots of blame to go around, but the captain deserves the flack he's taking

 

[19 for president]

12 points in 20 games in the playoff hunt from February 25th onwards was definitely a bit of a disappearing act this year from Larkin. I'm not sure what went on but he was a big factor in the wings not making playoffs.

The last 3 seasons combined prior to this one he's been 2 points under point per game total, this season he was 12 points under alone. And that's after 5 points in 5 games after being essentially eliminated from the playoffs

I'm not saying trade him, I'm not saying he's the only one at fault but he did disappear. He is the captain and the year old melt downs have become a thing recently. He's not free from blame at all and he definitely didn't hit his normal point totals this season.

I've seen some people in here saying trade him for picks. There's no way you're trading him for picks only, a really good, young center needs to be coming back. If LA called this off-season and said we'll take Larkin for a package starting with Byfield and Greentree? I'm definitely thinking hard about it, but Larkin is young enough to win some games with the young core and him as the savvy vet too

My bigger issue besides the 12 points is that he was also a -15 in that time period. Its one thing to be on the snide offensively, but the defensive effort wasn't great either. If your #1 line is a solidly net negative you aren't going to win games.

I don't have issues with Dylan being frustrated but a mid 6/ bottom pair dman wasn't going to get this team over the hump. We weren't going to bring in anyone that was going to make up for the fact that our 1st line played kind of like trash the last 20 games. Now I get injuries likely happened at 4 nations, but you can't sell the farm to bring in rentals at this stage of the rebuild either. He wants to bust Stevie for a terrible last off season I think he has the right to that. He never addressed the defense and hung onto Lalonde when he had clearly lost the team last season. Trading a 1st for a rental I think would have been likely putting lipstick on a pig for this team.

If you want to put some pressure on ownership/Yzerman talk about how you think adding a few key pieces can get you guys over the hill next year. Put the onus on him to go out and land a top 6 forward or top 4 dman. That is what this team needs. It keeps the interview positive but also flatly calls out the GM for some real help.

 

[Frk It]

12 points in 20 games in the playoff hunt from February 25th onwards was definitely a bit of a disappearing act this year from Larkin. I'm not sure what went on but he was a big factor in the wings not making playoffs.

The last 3 seasons combined prior to this one he's been 2 points under point per game total, this season he was 12 points under alone. And that's after 5 points in 5 games after being essentially eliminated from the playoffs

I'm not saying trade him, I'm not saying he's the only one at fault but he did disappear. He is the captain and the year old melt downs have become a thing recently. He's not free from blame at all and he definitely didn't hit his normal point totals this season.

I've seen some people in here saying trade him for picks. There's no way you're trading him for picks only, a really good, young center needs to be coming back. If LA called this off-season and said we'll take Larkin for a package starting with Byfield and Greentree? I'm definitely thinking hard about it, but Larkin is young enough to win some games with the young core and him as the savvy vet too

One logical explanation is that he was hurt, and I believe he said he was nursing injuries after the 4 nation tournament in the presser.

Do with that what you will.

 

[Gniwder]

Adding better talent means we need to get rid of deadweight to make room including for the kids . Tarasenko isn’t a fit . I think at double retention in the summer when everyone’s making moves at under 1.2 million someone takes a chance on him ....I could be wrong but at that price I’d be surprised

It'll be easier to just bury him in GR. Pretty good chance he doesn't report and heads to the KHL. Even if he doesn't quit, his salary could be compensated for by giving Kane a performance heavy contract with small base so that his salary can be carried over to the following season when Tank is gone.

That will leave enough space for Marner Not sure if burying Gus or Holl will give us enough space for a better defenseman. Gus is only a $825k hit if he's buried.

The MO next season should be that if you suck you go to GR, regardless of contract. The only free ride should be a bus ride to GR.

 

[Oddbob]

12 points in 20 games in the playoff hunt from February 25th onwards was definitely a bit of a disappearing act this year from Larkin. I'm not sure what went on but he was a big factor in the wings not making playoffs.

The last 3 seasons combined prior to this one he's been 2 points under point per game total, this season he was 12 points under alone. And that's after 5 points in 5 games after being essentially eliminated from the playoffs

I'm not saying trade him, I'm not saying he's the only one at fault but he did disappear. He is the captain and the year old melt downs have become a thing recently. He's not free from blame at all and he definitely didn't hit his normal point totals this season.

I've seen some people in here saying trade him for picks. There's no way you're trading him for picks only, a really good, young center needs to be coming back. If LA called this off-season and said we'll take Larkin for a package starting with Byfield and Greentree? I'm definitely thinking hard about it, but Larkin is young enough to win some games with the young core and him as the savvy vet too

His NHL career avg per 82 games is 64 pts, so he hit what should be expected from him and only 9 pts off his career high. Without him, the team doesn't have to worry about him going "cold" in March.

 

[Oddbob]

@Petes2424 any idea on whether there's smoke around Larkin given his recent comments?

Why would there be? This couldn't be more of a nothing burger. A small collection of fans getting their panties in a twist because one player didn't say quite the right things to appease that small collection of fans. I bet not a single person in the organization from players to management gives two craps about what he said.

 

[RedHawkDown]

Why would there be? This couldn't be more of a nothing burger. A small collection of fans getting their panties in a twist because one player didn't say quite the right things to appease that small collection of fans. I bet not a single person in the organization from players to management gives two craps about what he said.

I’ll take that bet. I bet you Yzerman is pissed about it.

 

[Oddbob]

I’ll take that bet. I bet you Yzerman is pissed about it.

If Yzerman is pissed about it, then I hope he retires/quits as Wings GM tomorrow. If that minor of a comment upsets him the way you are making it out to be, then he is indeed not the right man to run a team. I cannot fathom how so many of you are upset at all about it. You guys do realize that Yzerman dealt with people like Scotty Bowman and Mike Babcock and Jimmy Devellano right? Steve has heard far worse things both as player and manager than a minor comment about being disappointed in no moves. Such a nothing comment. I am indeed shocked that there is even this level of opinion on it.

He also dealt with much bigger player issues with Drouin and St. Louis than this Larkin comment.

 

[RedHawkDown]

If Yzerman is pissed about it, then I hope he retires/quits as Wings GM tomorrow. If that minor of a comment upsets him the way you are making it out to be, then he is indeed not the right man to run a team. I cannot fathom how so many of you are upset at all about it. You guys do realize that Yzerman dealt with people like Scotty Bowman and Mike Babcock and Jimmy Devellano right? Steve has heard far worse things both as player and manager than a minor comment about being disappointed in no moves. Such a nothing comment. I am indeed shocked that there is even this level of opinion on it.

He also dealt with much bigger player issues with Drouin and St. Louis than this Larkin comment.

It’s been discussed ad nauseum why people find the comments concerning. You are being wilfully ignorant if you don’t get why.

 

[Oddbob]

It’s been discussed ad nauseum why people find the comments concerning. You are being wilfully ignorant if you don’t get why.

I get why and you are all BLOWING this nothingness out of proportion. Again, I am blown away that more than 5 people even have issue with this thing.