Dylan Larkin's season debut helps shift mood in Red Wings' win

Detroit and Dylan Larkin have been in a complicated relationship since his trade request

And even with Steve Yzerman no longer in charge of building the roster as general manager — he stepped down in July — the Red Wings have held firm in their refusal to accept a futures-oriented package that would likely trigger another extended rebuild for a franchise trying to put an end to a 10-year playoff drought, the longest in franchise history. 

But despite one win, the Red Wings are still just 1-2-0 with only two points under their belt through three games. And the struggles of the team as a whole are what fueled Larkin's desire to change teams in the first place. 

Dylan Larkin knows he's running out of time to enjoy team success in the playoffs

The lack of winning throughout most of Larkin's career is why the University of Michigan product wants to leave the only franchise he's known since entering the NHL in 2015. And at 30 years old and in year 12, Larkin knows his time to experience anything close to the level of team success the championship Red Wings teams he grew up rooting for enjoyed is running out. 

With now 277 goals and 645 career points, Larkin has played in only five playoff games, all during his rookie season. 

Despite a positive several hours, it remains to be seen if the Red Wings can convince Larkin to want to stay for good, something likely dependent on winning and who takes over as the full-time general manager. Or if they can't, can they finally find a trade partner Larkin would approve of that's willing to meet their demands.