NHL Insider Analyzes Dylan Larkin’s Uncertain Red Wings Future

IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

NHL Insider Analyzes Dylan Larkin’s Uncertain Red Wings Future

Originally posted on NHLFanCentral | By Deblina Roy | Last updated Jul 18, 2026 4:16 PM ET

While Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin’s trade request continued to create a buzz in the NHL world, Sportsnet journalist Elliotte Friedman remained semi-optimistic.

“I see a world where somebody comes in and takes this [management/GM] job and says, I wanna sit down with Dylan Larkin and see if I can change his mind. Sell him on a plan,” said Friedman on NHL Tonight on July 15, 2026. “But I think right now that’s uncertain.”

The Red Wings center has been adamant about leaving the Motor City since the offseason’s start. Former GM Steve Yzerman refused to engage, deepening the rift. But now, with Yzerman’s stepdown, Friedman envisioned the new GM pursuing Larkin better.

Elliotte Friedman: Re Red Wings: I see a world where somebody comes in and takes this [management/GM] job and says, I wanna sit down with Dylan Larkin and see if I can change his mind; sell him on a plan…but I think right now that's uncertain – NHL Tonight (7/15)
— NHL Rumour Report (@NHLRumourReport) July 17, 2026

Per The Hockey News columnist Ryan Lambert, the new GM can attempt to change Larkin’s mind by building a better vision for the roster and providing a timeline for becoming competitive. If the captain still doesn’t budge, the new GM can try to work out a trade, as Friedman stated.

But prioritizing a rebuild while pursuing Larkin will be challenging. The Red Wings haven’t reached the playoffs for 10 seasons. The captain’s shortlist also made it clear that he wants to play with contenders like the Vegas Golden Knights, Minnesota Wild or the Florida Panthers.

Surely Friedman would like to envision the ideal version, but another fresh voice complicated his optimism.

The Rift May Be Too Deep to Repair

Red Wings beat reporter for the Detroit Free Press, Helene St. James, had a similar take to Friedman. Per her, the Larkin-Yzerman rift has been going on for a while now and might be too wide to be filled by changes at the front office.

“That would be a lot to walk back,” St. James said on a recent episode of TSN Overdrive. “It’s been going on now for two months. The organization is upset with him … asking for a trade after they’ve paid down the chunk of the actual salary, 31m over three years.”

“Steve Yzerman still works for the team,” she added further. “I don’t know if Dylan Larkin can walk this back.

The organization moving Yzerman to an advisory role indirectly indicated that they want Larkin to stay. But the final move will have to be decided through a talk between the new GM and the captain.

Follow NHL Fan Central for more

This article first appeared on NHLFanCentral and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: