Detroit Red Wings

Report: Red Wings Upset With Yzerman Over Larkin Trade Warning

The Detroit Red Wings were warned that a Dylan Larkin trade would hurt the team in the short term, which could be why Yzerman was removed.

by
NHL Trade Talk
September 18, 2026

New details are surfacing on why a Dylan Larkin trade never materialized in Detroit (or at least hasn’t yet), with a report from 32 Thoughts suggesting front-office disagreements played a role behind the scenes. In fact, it could be one of the reasons that Steve Yzerman is no longer running the show and Shawn Horcoff is getting an opportunity to earn the full-time role as general manager.

According to the report, Red Wings management was not willing to move Larkin unless the return offered immediate help, but Steve Yzerman reportedly cautioned ownership that any trade involving Larkin likely wouldn’t pay off in the short term. Elliotte Friedman said on the 32 Thoughts podcast, that one of the stories going around is:

“Yzerman had warned the Red Wings and ownership that if they traded Larkin they would probably not win the deal in the short term. It would be for longer-term help. And I don’t think the Red Wings liked that.”

Friedman stopped short of suggesting that led to Yzmerman’s removal as GM, but he did say that Horcoff has an opportunity here and cautioned the interim GM not to let anyone take his chair. Horcoff and Larkin met with the media on Thursday to talk about the situation and kept most of the reasons for the trade request quiet.

Larkin was careful with his words, repeatedly making clear he isn’t ready to reveal the full story. “I’m going to try to be honest with you guys today and I’m not ready to go there yet,” Larkin said.

He declined to say whether his trade request has been rescinded or whether a reconciliation with the organization is possible, and did not detail the reasoning behind his original request. Larkin did indicate he’s prepared to remain with the team for now, while keeping further conversations private.

With training camp underway and no trade resolution in sight, the Yzerman report adds new context to how close — or far — Detroit may have actually been from moving one of its franchise cornerstones.

Next: NHL Trade Talk Recap: Larkin and Hughes Talk, Hellebuyck Mess Explained