Dylan Larkin demanded a trade. Does Red Wings' shakeup change that?
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Detroit —Steve Yzerman is out as general manager, but where does this leave Dylan Larkin?
The Red Wings' captain asked for a trade from the organization on June 4. Though Larkin has yet to speak publicly about the decision, it's believed the Wings' 10-year streak of missing the NHL playoffs, and Larkin's frosty relationship with Yzerman were key reasons in asking for a trade.
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It was surely a difficult decision for Larkin, who'll be 30 on July 30. He's from Waterford and played college hockey at Michigan, and was drafted by his hometown NHL team.
Larkin is a consistent 30-goal scorer, and has evolved into one of the better, complete centers in the league.
The trade request sent shockwaves throughout the Wings' organization, and NHL, and very well might have been a key reason for Wednesday's announcement of Yzerman being replaced.
But now that Yzerman will not be leading the front office, what does this do to Larkin's request?
Larkin could erase the request and cleanly return to the Wings, though it would hardly be that easy.
Larkin's friend and USA Olympic teammate, Zach Werenski, had a similar situation with the Columbus Blue Jackets in late June. Werenski eventually came out with a statement saying he wants to remain with the Blue Jackets after a flurry of speculation centered on Werenski allegedly wanting to be traded to a contending team.
Wings' fans aren't pleased with Larkin's trade request, and would likely make their feelings known at Little Caesars Arena, if Larkin were in the lineup.
The dynamics of the locker room would also be in play. Would teammates accept Larkin back, given the captain's desire to be dealt and not believing the Wings could end their streak of making the playoffs anytime soon?
For that matter, Larkin would likely have the captaincy taken away from him, as the Wings build around defenseman Moritz Seider (the likely next captain) and Lucas Raymond.
The new GM, whoever it may be, could view Larkin as a valuable trade chip, capable of bringing in needed young players, prospects, or draft picks.
Yzerman spoke briefly about Larkin's request after the NHL Entry Draft.
"Shortly after the season I received a phone call from Dylan Larkin's agent informing me that Dylan would like to be traded," Yzerman said. "A week later after that, Dylan's agent followed up with a short list of teams that Dylan would consider waiving his no-trade to go to.
"Having said that, Dylan has five years remaining on his contract. My job as the manager of the Detroit Red Wings is always to do what is in the best interest of the Detroit Red Wings and I will act accordingly to that.
"So I cannot make any guarantees or did not make any guranteee that request could or would be met."
Yzerman didn't appear to be in any hurry to make a trade unless the Wings were to receive similar, elite forwards with the instant ability to replace what Larkin brings to the lineup.
The Stanley Cup contending teams Larkin would prefer to be dealt to weren't, or aren't, in a hurry to send elite players back the Wings' way for Larkin.
With a contract that has five seasons remaining, at an annual average value of $8.7 million — extremely team-friendly given the new economics of the NHL — Larkin's trade value would appear to be rarely higher than it is now.
Training camp begins Sept. 18 for the Wings. Whether Larkin will be there, or not, with the Wings is now an increasingly interesting question.
@tkulfan
This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: Dylan Larkin demanded a trade. Does Red Wings' shakeup change that?