Dylan Larkin's Trade Request Addressed By Red Wings' Steve Yzerman Amid Wild, NHL Rumors

Detroit Red Wings executive vice president and general manager Steve Yzerman confirmed to reporters on Saturday that star center Dylan Larkin has indeed requested a trade, though he didn't guarantee that a deal would occur.

He added that he could further discuss the roster "around free agency which opens up next week."

Larkin's agent, Pat Brisson, also addressed Yzerman's comments, noting the two sides agreed to "work together" following his trade request:

Larkin has a full no-trade clause and has the Florida Panthers, Minnesota Wild and Vegas Golden Knights listed as the teams he would waive that clause to join. News of his trade request first dropped in early June.

There has been plenty of movement around the NHL in recent days, but the widespread belief seems to be that a Larkin blockbuster will be the next major domino to drop.

And it would be a blockbuster. Larkin, 29, posted 34 goals and 33 assists across 74 games this past season while finishing plus-three. It was the three-time All-Star's fifth straight season hitting the 30-goal mark.

But the Red Wings, one of the proudest franchises in the NHL, haven't qualified for the playoffs since the 2015-16 campaign, Larkin's rookie year. It's hard to blame the veteran star for wanting a fresh start—and a legitimate shot at a Stanley Cup title—while he's still in his prime.

The Red Wings showed promise this past season, hitting the 92-point mark, their highest total since their last playoff appearance. Perhaps with a few savvy additions this offseason they might convince Larkin to stay. But more than likely, the face of the franchise is heading elsewhere. Now, it's just a matter of Yzerman extracting the best possible value in return.