Larkin seeks trade; Red Wings face management issues

Dylan Larkin has reportedly played his final game with the Detroit Red Wings as he awaits a trade, with NHL insider Elliotte Friedman noting that Larkin might alter his trade list soon, expanding from three to ten teams.

Larkin's original request for a trade remains unfulfilled, and after stating he would not play for the Red Wings again, he has been suspended without pay. Interim GM Shawn Horcoff, who has been managing this delicate situation, is faced with significant challenges in finding a suitable trade that meets both Larkin's desires and the Red Wings' needs.

Horcoff has received praise for his handling of the situation during press conferences, positioning himself as a strong candidate for the permanent GM role. However, the complexity of the trade, given Larkin's $8.7 million cap hit and the financial constraints of potential trade partners, complicates matters.

Teams on Larkin's list include the Florida Panthers, Minnesota Wild, Vegas Golden Knights, and others, but their cap situations make a trade difficult. As Larkin has forfeited over $141,000 due to his suspension, the urgency for a resolution mounts, yet Horcoff is under no pressure to make a deal until it aligns with the Red Wings' strategic interests.

The upcoming weeks will be crucial for both Larkin's future and the direction of the Red Wings under Horcoff's interim management.