Why Steve Yzerman should wait to trade Dylan Larkin

Ever since reports came out that Dylan Larkin requested a trade after the 2025-26 season, fans around the league have been trying to put together mock trades to bring him to their favorite team.

It's understandable, of course: a top-line center who can score, play in every situation and take a leadership role doesn't become available very often. But just because Larkin wants a trade doesn't mean Steve Yzerman has to make one right now. If anything, Yzerman has every reason to be patient.

How Larkin has produced over the last three seasons

Larkin is still one of Detroit's best players. Over the last three seasons, he's consistently been among the team's top scorers while taking on the toughest matchups night after night. He recorded 79 points in 2023-24, followed that with another strong offensive season in 2024-25, and then put up a career-high 34 goals and 67 points in 74 games this past year. That's production that every team in the league is looking for.

He also showed what he can do on the biggest stage by helping Team USA win Olympic gold in 2026. Playing alongside some of the best American players in the world, Larkin proved once again that he can contribute when the games matter most.

Players with that kind of production and experience don't come around often, and replacing them isn't nearly as easy as some fans make it sound.

Fans are undervaluing what Detroit has

One thing that's become obvious since the trade rumors started is how many fan bases believe they can land Larkin without giving up much in return.

Whether it's the Minnesota Wild, Vegas Golden Knights or Dallas Stars, you'll find plenty of trade proposals that leave Detroit with a handful of decent pieces but nothing that actually changes the future of the franchise.

If Steve Yzerman is going to move his captain, the return has to include players or assets that become part of Detroit's core. A late first-round pick and a couple of supporting players simply aren't enough for someone who plays in every situation and consistently produces offensively.

Patience gives Yzerman the upper hand

This is exactly why there's no reason to rush. Larkin is still under contract for the next five seasons, so Detroit isn't backed into a corner. If another team truly believes he's the missing piece to a Stanley Cup run, they'll eventually have to decide whether they're willing to meet Detroit's asking price. If they won't, Yzerman can wait.

The trade deadline has historically been when contenders become more aggressive. Injuries happen, weaknesses become obvious and teams that think they're one player away often become willing to pay a much higher price than they would during the summer.

The situation still could change

There's also the possibility that this situation looks completely different a few months from now.

The Red Wings are in a much different position than they were just a few years ago. Not only do they have a young core featuring Marco Kasper, Simon Edvinsson, Moritz Seider, and Lucas Raymond, but they also boast one of the deepest prospect pools in the NHL.

With so much young talent either already contributing or knocking on the door, there's every reason to believe Detroit is closer to taking the next step than starting over. If the Red Wings get off to a strong start, it's not hard to imagine both sides taking another look at where things stand.

Even if Larkin still wants a trade later in the season, waiting doesn't hurt Detroit. If anything, it gives Yzerman more leverage.

Don't trade Larkin just to make a trade

Steve Yzerman has never been known for making emotional decisions. Throughout his general manger tenure in the NHL, he's shown that he'll wait until the right deal comes along instead of forcing something that doesn't benefit the organization.

That same approach should apply here. If another team wants Dylan Larkin badly enough, they'll eventually put together an offer that's impossible to ignore.

Until that happens, the Red Wings shouldn't trade their captain simply because the rest of the league expects them to. Patience is often the best move, and in this case, it may end up giving Detroit the strongest return if a deal ever does happen.

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