Why Red Wings fans shouldn’t worry about Seider and Raymond

Dylan Larkin requesting a trade has understandably sent some Red Wings fans into panic mode. If Detroit’s captain wants out at 30 after spending his entire career waiting for the team to become a legitimate contender, what happens when Moritz Seider and Lucas Raymond reach that age?

If the Red Wings aren’t competitive three to five years from now, could Detroit’s two biggest young stars eventually ask out, too?

It’s a fair concern, but Red Wings fans shouldn’t be looking at Larkin’s situation as a preview of what’s coming.

Larkin’s situation is different

The biggest thing to remember is that Seider and Raymond are at completely different points in their careers.

Larkin entered the league during a rebuild and has spent years watching the organization search for an identity. He has now reached the point of his career where his prime years are becoming increasingly valuable.

Seider is 25. Raymond is 24.

They still have plenty of hockey ahead of them, and more importantly, they have the opportunity to be part of building whatever comes next in Detroit.

If the Red Wings ultimately retool, rebuild or completely change direction under a new general manager, Seider and Raymond could become the foundation of that next era rather than players waiting for it to arrive.

Detroit has time

This is where Red Wings fans need to take a step back.

Larkin’s trade request doesn't mean Detroit has suddenly become a franchise destined to lose its best players one after another.

If anything, it gives the organization a chance to reset.

The next general manager will have the opportunity to evaluate the roster, decide which players fit the long-term vision and build around the young core. Seider and Raymond can be central pieces of that process.

And unlike Larkin, they aren't approaching the end of their prime. That matters.

Winning changes everything

There is also one factor that could make this entire conversation irrelevant: winning.

Players don't typically ask to leave organizations because they dislike the city or the fans. They want opportunities to compete for championships.

If Detroit becomes a consistent playoff team over the next several seasons, there is little reason to believe Seider or Raymond would suddenly want out.

The Red Wings' job is simple: give their young stars a reason to stay.

Don’t panic yet

Red Wings fans have every right to be frustrated by Larkin's situation, but it shouldn't create fear that Seider and Raymond are next.

In fact, this could be the moment Detroit finally gets the chance to build the team those players have been waiting for.

Larkin's situation should be a warning to the organization, not a prophecy for Seider and Raymond.

If Detroit starts winning, this entire conversation disappears.

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