Dylan Larkin's trade request just got a lot more awkward, and it has nothing to do with an actual trade.
This week, Detroit rolled out new NHL 27 ratings for Lucas Raymond, Moritz Seider, Alex DeBrincat and John Gibson. Larkin was left out entirely.
He reportedly received the same 89 overall as Raymond and Seider, but the promotional graphic simply skipped him.
On its own, that means very little. Social media posts aren't trade announcements, and general managers don't build marketing graphics.
Context is what makes it sting. Larkin has requested a trade, and Detroit is reportedly searching for new hockey operations leadership as Steve Yzerman steps back from the GM chair.
Larkin still put up 34 goals and 33 assists for 67 points over 74 games last season, numbers that make him Detroit's legitimate number one centre.
Why Detroit can't just take any deal for its captain
He's posted at least 30 goals in four of his last five seasons, and Detroit knows a package of picks and prospects doesn't replace that kind of production.
His contract runs through 2030-31 at an $8.7 million cap hit, representing roughly 8.37 percent of next season's $104 million ceiling.
Minnesota, Florida, Vegas and Dallas have all reportedly made his approved destination list, with Minnesota consistently viewed as the most logical fit.
Detroit finished last season 41-31-10 with 92 points, part of what has been a decade-long playoff drought for the franchise.
Trading a franchise centre just to end an uncomfortable summer is a bad idea. If Detroit can't get a real NHL player back, holding onto Larkin beats selling him at a discount.
Larkin has captained this franchise since 2021 and spent his entire NHL career in Detroit, which only raises the stakes on however this actually gets resolved.
Whether Larkin actually gets moved before camp, or walks back into that Detroit room after asking to leave, is still very much unresolved.
Should the Red Wings actually trade captain Dylan Larkin this summer?
Also read on Markerzone.com:
Dylan Larkin officially shown the door by Red Wings
