Red Wings’ Larkin Trade Demands Called “Unrealistic” by Rival GM

The Dylan Larkin trade saga has spilled into the start of the regular season for the Detroit Red Wings, raising more questions than answers, according to NHL insider Frank Seravalli.

In a report prepared exclusively with casino.org, Seravalli says rival executives view Detroit’s approach as out of touch with reality. One NHL GM called the Red Wings “unrealistic” given the circumstances. “They have essentially asked for a younger version of Dylan Larkin back,” the GM said. “Even if someone had it, who is giving that up?”

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Another GM interested in acquiring Larkin told Seravalli that Detroit has refused to define what it wants in return, which has made talks difficult to move forward.

Larkin’s status for Friday’s opener is also drawing scrutiny. The Red Wings told Seravalli twice this week that Larkin is injured, but that hasn’t stopped speculation around the league. “The longer Larkin sits out without transparency, the more eyebrows will be raised,” Seravalli said. Some believe this injury is little more than a smokescreen to steer people away from the divide between the team and the player.

A serious injury could hurt Larkin’s quest for a trade, which is likely why Detroit has not given a timeline for his return. He has taken part in some parts of practice over the last two-plus weeks, though without much noted progress.

What’s Really Going on with Larkin and the Red Wings?

The Red Wings may have accommodated Larkin’s desire to sit out, using this “injury” as a way to create a grace period while this standoff continues. Seravalli argues it could be mutually beneficial because it protects him from a real injury, and the Red Wings are open to paying his $8 million salary to stay above the salary cap floor and keep things amicable for now.

“I think it probably should be pointed out that Detroit is only clearing the salary cap floor by $1.6 million with Larkin on the books,” the executive told Seravalli. “Paying him for now works for everyone.”

For now, neither side appears to be in a hurry. Detroit is staying quiet on what it wants, Larkin remains out of the lineup, and interested teams are left waiting for the Red Wings to set realistic terms. Until that changes, the standoff looks likely to continue.

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