At Detroit Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman's post-draft press conference, he addressed the Dylan Larkin trade for the first time with the media. Yzerman confirmed that soon-to-be-former captain Dylan Larkin requested a trade and that his agent provided a list of teams he'd want to play for to the organization.
“Dylan has five years remaining on his contract,” Yzerman said during Saturday's press conference. “My job as the manager of the Detroit Red Wings is always to do what is in the best interest of the Detroit Red Wings, and I will act accordingly to that. I cannot make any guarantees, or did not make any guarantees, that that request could or would be met.”
He also said more clarity will potentially be coming soon. “I think I will be in a position to maybe answer more questions and be more specific in the future.”
If this statement from Yzerman tells us anything (besides the confirmed existence of this trade request), it's that Larkin holds less leverage than many speculated.
Yzerman prepared to drag this one out
It's clear that Yzerman has no interest in trading Larkin for anything less than he's worth. Given the recent state of NHL trades and the obscene return so many have received, it's fair for Yzerman to be patient on this one.
While, ultimately, Larkin has requested a trade, Yzerman is in no rush to run the Waterford native out of town. Larkin has five years left on his deal. If he had fewer, like Team USA teammate Brady Tkachuk, there would likely be more urgency to get a higher return. But this move guarantees one thing: Yzerman isn't afraid to let this drag out until camp.
It's unlikely that Larkin will be on the roster starting next season, but Yzerman isn't going to dish him out for anything less than a stellar return.
Larkin's agent responds
Shortly after the press conference, Larkin's agent, Pat Brisson, spoke to The Athletic about the trade. I understand where he’s coming from,” Brisson said. “The process is that we’ve had discussions for the last month or so. And we’ve agreed that we’ll be working together on this. I do understand that Steve and the organization have to do what’s best for the Red Wings. We’re trying to work as a ‘team’ together on this to reach each of our goals, so to speak.
“We know it’s a sensitive file, understanding what Dylan means to the Red Wings and also to USA Hockey and the world of hockey. He’s a really good hockey player. But we’re going to continue to the best of our abilities to eventually reach our goals.”
Brisson's tone seems much more cooperative now that Yzerman's made his stance clear. When asked about the list of teams Larkin provided, Brisson declined to elaborate. This seems to suggest that the list is ephemeral and may expand or contract at a moment's notice. Perhaps Yzerman's recent press conference coaxes Larkin into expanding his list. Or, perhaps it makes him double down on his decision.
Either way, Brisson's choice of words seems to indicate that he wants to make both parties happy before this is through.
Time will tell how this plays out. But, for now, it looks like Yzerman has all the bargaining power on this one.
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