Dylan Larkin Requests Trade from Red Wings

Last season, the Detroit Red Wings appeared to be on the verge of a postseason appearance for the first time since 2016, but things didn’t pan out as hoped.

To make matters worse, reports have emerged that captain Dylan Larkin is seeking a trade.

According to a report from Sportsnet, Larkin, who is 29, has officially requested a trade from the Red Wings. His decision stems from the team’s ongoing struggles to reach the playoffs, along with a strained relationship with general manager and franchise legend Steve Yzerman.

So far, neither Larkin nor his agent, nor Yzerman have commented on the situation since the report surfaced.

If this information is true, things could get, well, pretty intense.

Larkin was drafted by the Red Wings with the 15th overall pick in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft and has amassed 643 points in 808 games since then.

He’s a top-line center carrying an $8.7 million cap hit, and won’t hit free agency until 2031, which makes him an attractive trade target for many teams in the league.

Recently, Larkin has been performing well, not just for the Red Wings but also as part of Team USA. He was involved with last year’s four-nation team and celebrated a gold medal win in this year’s Olympics.

Adding to the complexity, Larkin possesses a full no-trade clause for the next two seasons, meaning he must approve any trade during that period.

This isn’t exactly what the Red Wings wanted to deal with, but there might be a silver lining.

It’s probably wise not to rush a trade. Taking time could fetch a better return, and Larkin might stand to gain financially as well.

Though it’s not an ideal scenario, maybe this is an opportunity for a much-needed reset for the team and a chance to work towards playoff contention again.