The breakup between the Detroit Red Wings and Dylan Larkin seems like a fait accompli at this point. Given the way this situation has played out in public, it seems like there’s no way the two sides could ever remain together after this. Or is there? Could it be possible that Larkin returns to the Red Wings’ lineup next season despite the trade request?
To put the situation into context, it’s like one spouse asking for a divorce. As the divorce proceedings go, the two sides can’t figure out how to divide the assets, custody, and so on. After a drawn-out process, the two spouses figure it’s just better to stay together and avoid the painful situation of a public divorce.
That’s what Larkin and the Red Wings could face at this point.
Larkin’s reported three-team trade list is like one spouse saying to the other, “I want a divorce, and I want you to facilitate me moving in with so-and-so.”
That’s what Steve Yzerman is facing. However, Larkin’s options aren’t exactly the easiest to accommodate. Right off the bat, Vegas and Florida are a pipe dream. They don’t have the assets or the cap space to fit Larkin.
Meanwhile, the Wild might not be able to come up with a deal good enough to satisfy Yzerman’s plans. While Minnesota seems like the most feasible of the three destinations, it’s probably not a slam-dunk.
Unless Larkin is comfortable with another team, and it seems like the list has expanded, at least according to the latest chatter, a deal may not get done anytime soon.
And that’s a big problemo for the Red Wings. If they can’t match a great offer with a team that Larkin is willing to play for, the two sides could find themselves staring at each other with their lawyers in tow.
Picture a scene from a movie in which the two spouses are sitting across the table, looking despondent while the lawyers yell and threaten one another.
While there’s as much of a chance of Larkin and the Red Wings making up, the nuclear option would be devastating for both sides. If a deal cannot be worked out, both Larkin and the Red Wings may have to come to terms with the 29-year-old sitting next season.
After all, how could Larkin continue playing for the Red Wings after this? And even if he did, who would feel comfortable with him being the captain?
Would Larkin be willing to return to Detroit and relinquish his captaincy?
No, asking for a divorce is a major line that, once crossed, has no return. There’s no going back from this. That’s why the best thing is for the Red Wings to figure out a deal ASAP. And Larkin should be flexible in his list of teams.
There’s no going back from this situation. But Larkin and the Red Wings may have to deal with the fact that a deal may not happen as soon as they would like.
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