If you waiting out for a Dylan Larkin or Simon Edvinsson update, Shawn Horcoff is keeping his cards close to his chest.
In an interview with NHL.com, the Detroit Red Wings interim GM shared that things are currently "status quo" with both pending trade requests.
“Ideally, we get something that works for both sides, right?” Horcoff said. “But it has to be something that helps this team.”
Horcoff has been on the job for a little over two months. In that time, he's had to navigate two of the most precarious situations in Red Wings history: the trade request of Dylan Larkin, and the still-unsigned Simon Edvinsson.
On one side, Horcoff has made his stance abundantly clear, suspending Larkin without pay. On the other, he holds out for an optimistic outcome.
“I’d still like to sign Simon, but I think when it’s someone like that and the situation that we’re in, you can’t help but take calls,” Horcoff said. “It’s my job to do what’s in the best interest of the Detroit Red Wings. I’m going to take all those calls and hear what people have to say.”
The rumor mill has been in full swing regarding Edvinsson as of late. Teams like the San Jose Sharks have made it quite clear that they want what Edvinsson brings to the table. It'd be malpractice for Horcoff to not at least listen to offers.
Unfortunately, if NHL insider Elliotte Friedman's words are believed to be true, there might not be a way to work things out between Edvinsson and Detroit.
That said, it doesn't hurt to try, Horcoff believes.
Horcoff taking aggressive route with scouting
Red Wings scouts have been everywhere lately. Assistant GM and Head of Scouting Kris Draper has watched nearly half a dozen Montreal Canadiens games this season. Under Horcoff, things are moving quickly.
“The guys are working,” Horcoff said.
When asked if this had to do with the Larkin and Edvinsson situations, Horcoff was direct.
“No, absolutely not."
The main reason, according to Horcoff himself, has to do with improving the roster.
“I think we’re in a situation where we have to get better. I think it’s no secret. We look at our team, and we have to continue to improve, so we’re out there actively trying to do that. I’ve been clear in what I’ve said in trying to improve that young core group that we have, and we’re going to make sure our guys are out there seeing hockey.”
The Red Wings currently sit eighth in the Atlantic division and are in the midst of an extremely challenging road trip. While players like Marco Kasper and Mason Appleton have made their returns, the team itself still has a lot of work to do to get the bottom-six in a good place.
There will come a day where Dylan Larkin is no longer involved with this franchise in any way, shape or form. There's a chance Simon Edvinsson shares that fate, as well.
For better or worse, Horcoff moves at his own pace.
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