The Detroit Red Wings are engulfed in the All-Star Break. While forward Dylan Larkin is down in Sunrise, Fla., for the festivities, the fanbase is getting a bit worried. Rumors have surfaced that Larkin may be a trade target from teams looking to add an extra piece of offense for a cup run.
The Detroit Red Wings captain is reportedly also scheduled to meet with his agent again as he and the Red Wings continue to be a stalemate on a contract extension. Both sides agreed on an eight-year deal but are indifferent to the AAV being $8 million or $9 million.
Coming into the 2022-23 season, the Red Wings were expected to compete at a higher level and possibly even be buyers at the trade deadline. It was harder to label the Red Wings a seller in 2022-23, and they have competed better, but things could change.
As the Red Wings get closer to the trade deadline, the likelihood of them becoming a seller continues to increase. Shipping off assets to help the team move forward could become a reality. That includes moving on from captain Larkin if the right offer presents itself.
Detroit Red Wings’ season trajectory could go cliff diving.
It could very well be a naive attitude, but a month ago, I penned an article about the Red Wings being in a position to compete if they could get hot and string together some wins. Ultimately, they fell off a bit but are still barely clinging to life for a wildcard spot.
However, things could take a major dive off the deep end. The Red Wings could end up tanking and trying their best to earn a better chance at landing Connor Bedard. It’s been said that the Red Wings need a lottery ticket and a chance at landing Bedard in this year’s draft.
With trade values set for the deadline after the Vancouver Canucks traded Bo Horvat to the New York Islanders, things could get interesting. If the Red Wings do opt to trade Larkin, they could easily add a first-rounder.
Not to mention any other assets they may off-load. After the trade deadline and any selling that Steve Yzerman does, the Red Wings roster could take a significant hit. In turn, the Red Wings could plunge to the bottom of the standings.
After all, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said that there is no tanking happening in the league. So the Red Wings changing their plan to sell any assets and tank could end up becoming a reality.