Dylan Larkin should not participate in training camp with the Red Wings

If Dylan Larkin still hasn't been traded by the time training camp begins, the Detroit Red Wings will have one of the biggest decisions of the offseason waiting for them.

Do they allow their captain to take part in camp and continue playing while trade talks remain ongoing? Or do they keep him away from the lineup to avoid the risk of injury and potential distractions before a deal is completed?

With training camp quickly approaching, this is a situation that could become a major storyline if negotiations continue to stall.

A trade still hasn't materialized

Despite reports that Larkin has requested a trade, nothing has come together yet. According to the latest rumors, he has expanded the list of teams he'd be willing to join by adding the Dallas Stars, giving the Red Wings another potential trade partner to work with.

Even with that added flexibility, there doesn't appear to be a deal that's close. The Red Wings now have to prepare for the possibility that their captain could arrive at camp without a resolution on his future.

The risk of Larkin playing

From Detroit's perspective, there are legitimate reasons to be cautious.

The biggest concern is injury. If Larkin were to suffer a significant injury during training camp or early in the preseason, it could completely change the trade market. Teams aren't going to give up major assets for a player whose health suddenly becomes uncertain.

There's also the distraction factor. Every practice, media availability, and game would likely come with questions about Larkin's future. That storyline could quickly overshadow the rest of the team and become a daily distraction for the organization.

Larkin is still a Red Wing

He's still under contract, he's still the captain, and until a trade is officially completed, he's still a member of the Detroit Red Wings.

Larkin has represented the organization professionally throughout his career. Even if he believes a change of scenery is best, there's no reason to think he wouldn't continue competing at a high level while wearing the Winged Wheel.

The Red Wings are trying to build a winning culture, and sitting one of their best players because of uncertainty doesn't necessarily align with that goal.

Fans want to see Larkin play

If you asked the majority of Red Wings fans what they would rather see happen, the answer would probably be simple: let Dylan Larkin play.

Nobody wants to see the captain sitting in the press box or away from the team while waiting for a trade that may not happen immediately. If he is healthy, willing to participate, and still part of the organization, he should be given the opportunity to continue doing what he does best.

If training camp arrives without a trade, the Red Wings should allow Larkin to participate, practice and play while the Red Wings continue to work toward the right deal. If his time in Detroit is truly coming to an end, it should happen on the ice rather than from the sidelines.

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