Dylan Larkin's request for a trade fires up Red Wings fans

Dylan Larkin's request for a trade from the Detroit Red Wings was seismic news in the NHL, and fans of the Wings.

Free Press readers sounded off – and to varying degrees pointed the finger at Steve Yzerman. He's had seven years to improve the team since being named general manager on April 19, 2019, and while he did take over a team that had very little talent, expectations grew as high-end draft picks like Moritz Seider and Lucas Raymond improved the team. But it's still been seven years under Yzerman that the Wings have missed the playoffs. Larkin is the only player who has been here for all those years.

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Hence the sympathy from fans — and ire.

From Tom M., "The only guy who isn't surprised is Yzerman - another misstep in this highly rated comical show. [Chris] Ilitch must be fuming - and for good reason. Instead of taking Larkin's request and putting it under wraps for the sake of both parties, everyones exposed jock straps are left hanging to dry. Dylan's decision undoubtedly sprouted from winning a gold medal while talking to other players on that U.S.A. team.  He realized he's on a perpetual sinking ship. The hometown guy could only take so much. Now his trade value is seriously under valued and he doesn't care. Wings need to be searching for a new GM not a new center. Ilitch must hit the reset button once again and trade him for some lucrative draft picks. There is no other choice. They have gotten exactly what they have deserved. Let another GM decide what they want with the new draft picks and wish Dylan the best."

From Matthew W., "I emailed you before about what a failure Yzerman is as GM ... Now the Captain and best player has had enough and wants out. This is a total black eye on Yzerman. The leader of this team now wants out. Why? Because he realized what a lot of us already did and that is that as long as Yzerman is in charge of this team they will not win a thing and teams like Montreal and Buffalo have blown right past us. Yzerman must be fired or better yet do the right thing and just resign."

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From Ross C., "Dylan Larkin has Matthew Stafford Syndrome. Like Stafford, Dylan has been a team player for over a decade with no championship to show for his efforts. A couple of spring collapses in a row has Larkin yearning for a fresh start. He has a taste of winning with the Olympic gold medal winning hockey team. He has obviously lost confidence in the Yzerplan and wants a fresh start elsewhere. He only has to look at Matthew Stafford's exit from the Lions and what he's achieved in L.A., as a road map for success."

Carlos Monarrez: Don't blame Dylan Larkin for not wanting to waste prime with Red Wings

John K. had a different take: "Based upon his history, the most likely outcome of this situation is Yzerman telling Larkin he is under contract for 5 more seasons with the Detroit Red Wings. Looking at it from Yzerman’s standpoint, if he trades Larkin, who’s next to demand a trade; [Alex] Debrincat, Seider?  Where would it end. This whole thing is an overreaction by everyone.  Larkin will be in camp come September"

From Norm G., "? was watching a news conference on April 17 on YouTube with Larkin. I think hearing his responses to your excellent questions (especially about 10 years of no playoffs) that there were signs he was thinking then of leaving. Maybe the news shouldn't be so startling considering also his comments. Is Steve the problem?  Are all his staff 'Yes' men?   If so, is anyone above Steve seriously looking into management's role in the recent disasters? I enjoyed the six cups in 72 years but doubt I will see any more."

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From Kevin M., "The poor kid was a victim of unforeseen circumstances of the reconstruction of the Steve Yzerman Captaincy Fairy Tale. I remember sitting across from him at Gordie Howe's Funeral at Blessed Sacrament Cathedral, well before his appointment. Young kid full of talent, embarking on surely a career to be proud of and the reincarnation of the Yzerman success story. Unfortunately, he never got the NHL Hall of Fame supporting cast that Steve did."

From Bruce L, "Think Larkin is tired of working his tail off,  on every shift,  and the bulk of the rest of the team NOT playing 100% on every shift? This has to be a wake up call to management.  Do they really want to be a contender OR is Mr. Ilitch content to be a low budget, small market team and take what they get?"

Contact Helene St. James at hstjames@freepress.com. Read more on the Detroit Red Wings and sign up for our Red Wings newsletter. 

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Steve Yzerman bears brunt of fans' ire over Dylan Larkin trade request