Dylan Larkin’s selfish choice frees his Red Wings teammates

The numbers and experts say that the Detroit Red Wings are better with Dylan Larkin in the lineup. 

While to some degree it’s correct, Larkin’s gloomy clouds have hung above his teammates for far too long. The Wings have had ample time to trade Larkin. Yet, despite this, Detroit is justified for not trading Larkin for pennies on the dollar. 

Here’s the most recent update surrounding Larkin’s situation:

It’s quite the contrary of the kissing and making up that Red Wings’ legend Jimmy Devellano hoped for.

The timing might be the oddest part of all this.

It's likely that Connor Hellebuyck's trade from Winnipeg to New Jersey amplified his impatience. Maybe, something happened surrounding the Wings’ recent Halloween party. Perhaps, Larkin wanted to wear the snazzy new vest, but was never chosen. Or, maybe Larkin finally decided enough is enough. Maybe behind closed doors he made his stance more clear.

As bitter as Red Wings fans have every right to be (and should be), there are plenty of reasons why Larkin sitting out should benefit the current lineup.

Why this will be beneficial for the Red Wings

There was a rain cloud following Larkin's every move on the ice. People can say he was getting up to speed, recovering from an injury, or protecting himself to not get injured before being traded. All of these are likely true.

At the same time, these injuries don’t play a role in Larkin’s odd stick lifts at the most inopportune times. They don’t account for his lackluster attempts on the power play or around the net, or even moments where Raymond goes all out fighting for a puck only for a play to die as soon as it comes near Larkin.

It’s frustrating and looks deliberate, though I’m sure everyone including Larkin would deny it. 

Without Larkin, the Wings will have a hole in their top-six until a trade happens, Nate Danielson really finds his legs or Marco Kasper returns from injury. Maybe Andrew Copp or J.T. Compher will surprise Red Wings fans. Who knows?

The buffer position on the top power play unit will be open (one that I think Brandsegg-Nygård should have an opportunity to fill given the context of everything going on). Maybe they'll try filling it with a Brandsegg-Nygård or Danielson, then backfill the second unit either from other parts of the lineup (Axel Sandin-Pellikka, perhaps, or maybe they even recall a guy like Jesse Kiiskinen, who’s turned heads in Grand Rapids so far this season). 

In short, Larkin’s absence is going to allow the Detroit Red Wings to finally close a chapter than is long overdue -- regardless of how long ownership and management drag their feet. The future is still a bright one without Larkin involved. For some reason, as I write this, I can’t help but have Green Day’s “Good Riddance” song play in the background.

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