Panel Questions Dylan Larkin Handling of His Trade Request: “Embarrassing”

---

Dylan Larkin wants out of Detroit, and a panel on TSN OverDrive says the way he and his camp have gone about it has made things harder. “I find it crazy, guys. I actually find it embarrassing,” said Jeff O’Neill. Suggesting Larkin and his camp completely misread the market, the fact that he has to expand his trade list to 10 teams shows how little the former Red Wings’ captain had a handle on the situation.

The panelists argued that having to widen his list of acceptable teams is embarrassing for Larkin and his agent. In their view, a player who wants to be traded should know what the market looks like before putting limits on it. All suggested it was poor management and said he didn’t understand why anyone would restrict their options and then have to add teams later. Only Jamie McLennan tried to defend Larkin some, noting that sometimes a team comes forward with a better trade offer so a player adds to his list.

Although, that’s not what it looks like has happened with Larkin.

The list has indeed grown. Larkin first approved deals to Minnesota, Vegas or Florida after requesting a trade, and Elliotte Friedman has since reported that he is willing to play for roughly eight teams, though still not a Canadian one. Colorado, Washington, Dallas and Tampa Bay are reportedly on it.

Is Anyone Going to Step Up For Larkin?

One or two teams with more to offer might step in, and Detroit could get a better return, but that hasn’t happened yet. There has been some talk of late that a trade might be getting closer, but conflicting reports suggest there’s nothing new to report. Larkin wants to go to mostly Cup contenders, which was Larkin’s priority. Yet, he’s ruling out the team who is rumored to be ready to make the best offer, the Montreal Canadiens.

The American star is seeking a change after Detroit missed the playoffs 10 straight seasons. Yet, he only wants to go to a team in the United States. Why would he not be open to anyone who gives him a real shot at winning? Perhaps no team is better set up financially than the Canadiens. At what point does Montreal get frustrated by his limits and move on?

The panel gave Larkin credit for staying professional and being ready to play. They also acknowledged they don’t know what is going on behind the scenes. He completely miscalculated how much teams want to make a move for him.

At this point, he’s got to hope a team like the Minnesota Wild make one final pitch to try and acquire him and it’s a deal that the Red Wings like. And, they may only do so in an attempt to woo Quinn Hughes and keep the defenseman from jumping ship.

Next: Matthews Isn’t Gretzky. But What Amazing Company He’s Keeping