Could Dylan Larkin 'Walk Back' Trade With Yzerman Stepping Down?
We have heard talk about a strained relationship between Detroit Red Wings top-line center Dylan Larkin and outgoing hockey operations boss Steve Yzerman. And with the difficulty the Wings have had in trying to get equal value for their disgruntled captain on the trade market, is there any chance that Larkin could "walk back" his trade request now that Yzerman is out as GM?
Wings insider Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press was asked that question on the TSN radio Overtime show on Wednesday:
"I don't think Larkin can walk this back." 👀@HeleneStJames on Dylan Larkin's future with the Red Wings with Steve Yzerman stepping down as GM.#LGRW pic.twitter.com/9uMftlttGL
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"That's a great question, but man, that would be a lot to walk back. I mean, it's been going on now for two months and the organization is upset with him for asking for a trade after they've paid down a (big) chunk of the actual salary—$31 million in three years—for that contract. And, I don't know... even if it's a different GM... I don't know if Dylan Larkin can walk this back.
"But at the same time, it may be his best option (given no viable trade returns are being offered)."
St. James goes on to confirm that the Wings are looking for a Larkin-type player back in any trade (i.e. a first-line center preferably), and that just doesn't appear to be in the offing.
Yzerman "stepped down" from his role as Executive Vice President and General Manager today, but he will continue to serve as senior advisor to Governor and CEO, Chris Ilitch.
The Larkin situation will certainly be even more intriguing to follow now as the team goes forward and searches for a new head of hockey operations.
Larkin, about to turn 30, just completed his 11th season with the Red Wings, but also the 10th straight of missing the playoffs. He informed the team shortly after the season ended that he would like to be traded, and has given the team four destinations that he would accept. He still has five years to run on his deal, with an $8.7 million cap hit.
He just recorded his 5th straight 30-goal season, with 67 points in 74 games.