The news that Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin has reportedly requested a trade has quickly become one of the biggest stories of the NHL offseason. As a Michigan native and the longtime face of the franchise, Larkin has stuck with the team through years of rebuilding, making this development especially surprising.
Not everyone is sympathetic to his decision, though, as one former NHL player strongly criticized the situation.
Red Wings Star Dylan Larkin’s Trade Request Draws Sharp Criticism
Detroit’s playoff drought reached 10 straight seasons after another disappointing finish in 2025-26, handing the Red Wings the unenviable crown of the longest active postseason drought in the NHL. Following another late-season collapse, reports suggest Larkin has become frustrated with the direction of the team under general manager Steve Yzerman.
The 29-year-old center is still in his prime and recently won Olympic gold with Team USA. After spending a decade in Detroit without a playoff appearance, he reportedly wants a chance to compete for a Stanley Cup.
Larkin also holds a full no-trade clause for the next two seasons, giving him significant control over his future. Reports indicate he is only willing to waive it for three teams: the Minnesota Wild, Florida Panthers, and Vegas Golden Knights.
Former NHL forward Mike Rupp, who won the Stanley Cup with the New Jersey Devils in 2003, believes Yzerman doesn’t have to rush into a deal.
Rupp argued that general managers sometimes give players too much power in these situations and suggested Detroit could simply refuse to move its captain.
“You got a no-move clause; I get that, but we don’t have to trade you anywhere. You’re the captain of the Red Wings, we committed eight years to you. We aren’t gonna trade you. I’m not saying that’s gonna happen year… This is catastrophic, though, for the Detroit Red Wings. I feel for that organisation,” Rupp said.
Former NHL defenseman Jason Demers also shared his thoughts, joking that Yzerman could simply tell Larkin, “Sorry you feel that way, but see you at training camp,” making a classic George Costanza play.
Why a Larkin Trade Won’t Be Easy
Even if Detroit decides to trade Larkin, completing a deal will be difficult.
Larkin has five years remaining on his eight-year, $69.6 million contract, which carries an annual cap hit of $8.7 million. That’s a reasonable number for a top-line center, but it still creates challenges for interested teams.
The three clubs on Larkin’s reported list are also dealing with salary cap limitations, especially Vegas, which has very little flexibility.
On top of that, Detroit is expected to demand a large return. Larkin is one of the NHL’s top two-way centers and is coming off a career-high 34-goal season. Yzerman will likely demand top prospects, young players, and high draft picks in return.
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Some around the league believe Detroit may push Larkin to expand his trade list and create more leverage in negotiations. For now, the situation remains unresolved, setting the stage for what could be a tense summer in Detroit.
