It's been a busy week for the Detroit Red Wings.
Between formally announcing Shawn Horcoff as interim General Manager to the lukewarm Dylan Larkin press conference, there's no shortage of updates finally hitting the oft-secretive Detroit Red Wings.
But this news in particular should add a frustrating wrinkle to recent news updates.
On the 32 Thoughts Podcast, Sportsnet insider Elliotte Friedman revealed that then-GM Steve Yzerman had the opportunity to trade disgruntled former captain Dylan Larkin, but ownership refused.
"The Red Wings were not willing to make a Larkin deal that wasn't for immediate help," Friedman said. "Yzerman had warned the Red Wings and ownership that if they traded Larkin, they probably would not win the deal in the short-term. It would be for more longer term help. And I don't think the Red Wings liked that."
This only further foments worries about autonomy within the organization, something that's been a pain point with fans for quite some time.
Questions about ownership overstepping boundaries have arisen
This isn't the first time rumors of CEO and owner Chris Ilitch stepping in and nixing deals have come out. Earlier in the offseason, Detroit Free Press reporter Carlos Monarrez revealed that Ilitch struck down a free agency deal involving 40 goal-scorer Steven Stamkos. This directly contradicts statements Ilitch shared in his interview with Bob Wojanowski of The Detroit News, where Ilitch insisted his GMs have autonomy.
"I've been highly consistent in giving all of our sports leaders 100% autonomy and authority to make the decisions necessary as they see fit," Ilitch insisted. "I've done that from Day One."
One example of Ilitch stepping in can be spun as an aberration. Is two a coincidence? It's hard to believe, especially considering the logistics with Larkin right now. The Minnesota Wild, the most likely suitors for Larkin, really don't have much to offer besides future assets. It's been rumored that Yzerman requested Matt Boldy in the trade, but there's little to no chance the Wild would accept a deal like that.
Horcoff's autonomy up to interpretation
This, then, brings us to the future: what if Shawn Horcoff receives a trade offer for Larkin? What if that package involves futures? Would Ilitch and the Red Wings as a whole allow him that autonomy, or would the owner step in and nix the deal? As of right now, it seems like Ilitch is saying one thing while doing another.
This is, yet again, another example of the Red Wings not acting transparently with the fans. How does Ilitch expect the fanbase to get passionate or fired up about Horcoff when he looms in the background like a specter? Is this going to be more of the same this season, or is it truly a sign of change?
If Ilitch - and the Red Wings as a whole - want to re-engage with fans and build back trust, they, too, need to trust that Horcoff can get the job done. If Horcoff sees a deal that gets Larkin out - and provides an actual, legitimate return - Ilitch needs to put his faith in his guy.
After all, didn't he spend over two months looking for someone to take on this role?
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