Every offseason has a franchise that just can't seem to get out of its own way. This year in the NHL, that franchise is the Detroit Red Wings — and the story keeps getting messier.
Captain Dylan Larkin wants out. The general manager who was handling his trade request just got pushed out of the job. And now, with no clear replacement in place, one of the league's most storied franchises is stuck in genuine limbo — right as training camp inches closer.
How This All Started
Back on June 4, it became public that Dylan Larkin — Detroit's captain and a 2026 Olympic gold medalist with Team USA — had requested a trade. According to GM Steve Yzerman, the request came via a phone call from Larkin's agent shortly after last season ended, followed a week later by a shortlist of teams Larkin would be willing to waive his no-movement clause for.
That list originally included the Florida Panthers, Minnesota Wild, and Vegas Golden Knights, before later expanding to include the Dallas Stars as well.
Here's what makes this particularly complicated: Larkin isn't some pending free agent looking for a fresh start. He's under contract for five more seasons on an eight-year, $69.6 million deal signed back in March 2023 — a deal that carries a full no-movement clause, meaning Detroit literally cannot trade him anywhere he doesn't approve. That clause has put all the leverage in Larkin's hands, even though he's the one who initiated the request.
Yzerman's Non-Committal Stance
When Yzerman addressed the situation publicly after the 2026 NHL Draft, he made it clear he wasn't rushing into anything. "Having said that, Dylan has five years remaining on his contract. 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," Yzerman said. "So I cannot make any guarantees... that request could or would be met."
In practice, that meant Yzerman was only willing to move Larkin for a package featuring elite, ready-made replacements — and none of Larkin's preferred destinations were in a hurry to hand back that kind of talent for a player, however good, who's owed significant money over five more years.
Then the Front Office Blew Up
Just as the Larkin saga sat unresolved, Detroit dropped a second bombshell: Yzerman himself was stepping down as general manager and executive vice president, moving into a new role as senior advisor to owner and CEO Chris Ilitch. The Red Wings icon had held the GM job since 2019, and his departure has left the organization scrambling.
Weeks later, there's reportedly still been little public movement on finding his replacement. Yzerman is currently handling day-to-day management duties in the interim, but questions are mounting about how much actual authority he has in that stopgap role, and whether he needs ownership sign-off for significant decisions.
Does the GM Change Affect Larkin's Decision?
This is the question hanging over the entire situation, and reporters covering the team are skeptical it changes much. Detroit Free Press reporter Helene St. James was blunt about it on TSN's "OverDrive," suggesting the damage in the relationship extends well beyond Larkin and Yzerman specifically.
"[The Red Wings] are upset with him for asking for a trade after they've paid down the chunk of the actual salary, $31 million over three years, for that contract," St. James said, adding that even with a new GM potentially coming in, "I don't know if Dylan Larkin can walk this back."
Veteran Red Wings writer Ansar Khan offered a similar read, pointing to lingering tension after Larkin publicly criticized the front office for failing to add difference-makers at a previous trade deadline — comments Yzerman reportedly did not appreciate. "The relationship has been strained," Khan said. "I'm not sure if a new GM will change Larkin's mind on needing a trade."
Why This Story Keeps Escalating
- Full No-Move Protection: Larkin holds ultimate veto power over any trade destination.
- Front Office Transition: Yzerman transitioning to Senior Advisor leaves hockey operations in flux.
- Stalled Negotiations: Major suitors like Minnesota and Dallas face complex cap constraints.
- Ticking Clock: Training camp approaches with Detroit's top center and leader in an unresolved standoff.
What Happens Next
With Steve Yzerman still handling day-to-day duties but no longer holding the GM title long-term, Detroit's search for a permanent replacement is now intertwined with resolving Larkin's future. Whoever takes over will inherit arguably the most complicated situation in the league: a captain who wants to leave, a no-move clause that gives him final say, and a roster that still badly needs a top-line center if Larkin does eventually go.