Dylan Larkin finally speaks, but leaves more questions than answers

After months of speculation surrounding Dylan Larkin and his trade request, the Red Wings forward finally addressed the media Thursday morning.

Larkin was honest about the situation, but made it clear there are still plenty of things he isn't ready to discuss.

Larkin isn't ready to explain why

The biggest question surrounding Larkin remains unanswered. When asked what triggered his trade request, Larkin said there was "a lot there," including personal factors, but admitted he isn't ready to go into detail.

He even suggested he may never be ready to publicly explain everything. What he did make clear is that the decision wasn't made lightly. Larkin said he doesn't regret requesting a trade and emphasized that it wasn't a spur-of-the-moment decision.

It was something he struggled with before ultimately reaching that point. For now, whatever happened behind the scenes between Larkin and the organization is going to remain private.

He hasn't closed the door on Detroit

Perhaps the most interesting part of the interview was what Larkin didn't say. When asked if he expects to play for Detroit this season, Larkin said his focus is on the upcoming season with the Red Wings and getting healthy.

He was asked again if there was a chance he could remain in Detroit for the entire season, and again, he didn't shut the door.

Larkin said he plans to take things "a day at a time" and let his play and actions do the talking. That doesn't mean he has rescinded his trade request.

He specifically declined to say whether it still stands, saying that conversation will remain between himself and Shawn Horcoff. But it does suggest there is still some uncertainty surrounding where this situation ultimately goes.

Larkin understands why he lost the C

Larkin also addressed the decision to remove the captaincy. There didn't appear to be any resentment toward the organization. Instead, Larkin acknowledged that asking for a trade while serving as captain comes with consequences.

He said he understands why the decision was made and is prepared to move forward.

In fact, Larkin seems ready to embrace being "one of the guys" again after spending the last several seasons as the face and captain of the organization. He also made a point of saying that his trade request was not because of his teammates, something that could be important as the locker room moves forward.

Now comes the hard part

Larkin knows words aren't going to repair everything. He acknowledged that his teammates were affected and that some fans are frustrated, but he believes the best way to rebuild trust is through his actions on the ice.

Unfortunately, he's currently dealing with an upper-body injury that kept him from skating at the start of camp, making it difficult for him to immediately show those actions.

Still, Larkin made it clear that he wants to play and that Detroit remains his focus right now. He hasn't explained why he requested a trade, and he hasn't rescinded it, but he also hasn't closed the door on Detroit.

For now, both sides appear willing to take things one day at a time, leaving the future of the Red Wings' longtime star just as uncertain as it was before he stepped in front of the microphones.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow