Detroit Red Wings Making Significant Demands In Dylan Larkin Trade Talks

The Detroit Red Wings organization is going through some drastic changes, and when it comes to captain Dylan Larkin's trade demands, the Red Wings are digging their feet in the mud, and playing some significant hard ball.

With Steve Yzerman moving into an advisor role, and the search for a new general manager ongoing, the trade talks around Larkin haven't slowed down at all. In fact, they've picked up of late, and it turns out the Red Wings won't even entertain a trade unless they receive a first-line center in return.

Larkin demanded a trade after last season, in large part due to the fact Yzerman sat on his hands too much during the 'Yzerplan' and didn't move out enough future considerations for NHL talent ahead of the last three trade deadlines. Larkin felt the Red Wings' roster deserved a shot at going deep, and Yzerman never went all in. Larkin then saw Brady Tkachuk get moved, and basically followed suit.

There's been significant trade chatter between the Red Wings and Dallas Stars, but a one-for-one swap for Jason Robertson hasn't materialized. Larkin asked for a trade initially to one of the Minnesota Wild, Vegas Golden Knights, Florida Panthers, and the mentioned Stars.

Florida and Vegas don't have the cap flexibility to make it work and would have to make drastic changes to the structure of their core. Meanwhile in Minnesota, GM Bill Guerin wants Larkin as bad as anyone, but doesn't have the NHL proven-package the Red Wings are looking for, and has been offering young talent and draft picks within his offer. You have to wonder if Quinn Hughes makes it clear he's not signing and extension and is heading to New Jersey next summer, if Guerin will flip Hughes to his home state for Larkin straight up.

For now, Detroit is holding out for a top-line all-star, and frankly, at this point, it feels like Larkin's going nowhere, and things are about to get very awkward when training camp opens.