New Red Wings GM takes different approach to Dylan Larkin trade talks
Photo credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
The Dylan Larkin saga in Detroit may not be heading toward a quick finish after all. A fresh report suggests the Red Wings' interim general manager is open to mending fences with his longtime center rather than hurrying him out the door.
Anthony Di Marco of The Daily Faceoff shared the latest, saying:
According to one source, there is a belief that [Red Wings interim GM] Shawn Horcoff could be looking to fix the relationship with Dylan Larkin, which could result in this saga dragging out longer than expected.
A Reset Instead of a Rushed Trade?
That would mark a notable change in tone. Larkin asked out after last season, and the club stripped him of the captaincy shortly before training camp.
Relations looked strained, and a fast deal appeared to be the obvious path.
Horcoff, however, has publicly stated that Detroit is a better team with Larkin in the lineup.
He was handed the interim title only days before camp opened, and he has made clear he wants to earn the job on a permanent basis. Moving a franchise cornerstone in a hurry would not exactly help that case.
What It Means for Suitors
Any club hoping for a quick deal may have to settle in for a longer wait. A thaw between player and management would give Detroit leverage to demand a stronger return, or even to keep Larkin altogether if the relationship truly turns around.
It also changes the picture for the Red Wings themselves. Larkin remains the highest-paid player on the roster, and a team that has missed the playoffs ten straight years cannot easily replace his production at center.
Trading him would likely mean a step back in the short term for a team already searching for answers.
Nothing is settled yet, and the regular season is almost here. Whether Larkin is receptive to any olive branch is now the biggest question hanging over Detroit, and the answer will shape how the Red Wings approach the months ahead, from the trade market to the captaincy and beyond.
Also read on House Of Hockey :
A surprising team enters the Connor Hellebuyck conversation
A surprising team enters the Connor Hellebuyck conversation