Larkin's $8.7M salary drives former Red Wings exec's advice to bench him
Doug MacLean says Detroit should let the captain sit until they secure a trade partner, as Larkin may soon adjust his list of acceptable destination teams.
By Marco Whitaker ·
Former Detroit Red Wings executive Doug MacLean advised the club to bench center Dylan Larkin if it cannot secure a favorable trade deal. MacLean made the comments Friday on the Real Kyper and Bourne Show on Sportsnet.
Larkin is under contract for five more years at an annual salary of $8.7 million. He has a no-movement clause, but he requested a trade in the offseason. He reported to training camp, then missed the preseason and his first two regular season games due to injury.
The Red Wings suspended Larkin without pay after he appeared in 10 games and left the team again to expedite a move. Interim general manager Shawn Horcoff stated last Thursday that the club will be patient in finding a trade that benefits Detroit.
MacLean, who served as an assistant coach and assistant general manager for the Red Wings in the early 1990s, expressed confusion over Larkin's actions. He noted that Larkin is a Detroit native and the team captain. MacLean said he does not know Larkin personally but acknowledged his talent.
"I tell you what, if Detroit don't hold out and get the right deal, they should let him sit," MacLean said. He added that he is looking at other teams and hears Minnesota is actively seeking Larkin, but he hopes Detroit waits for the perfect deal.
NHL insider Elliotte Friedman reported Saturday that Larkin might alter his list of 10 teams where he would waive his no-trade clause. The current list includes Carolina, Colorado, Dallas, Florida, Minnesota, New Jersey, Tampa Bay, Utah, Vegas, and Washington. Friedman said it is very hard to see trades happening with Florida, Vegas, or Colorado, so Larkin may remove or add teams to that list. Montreal is trying to acquire Larkin, but he does not have any Canadian-based clubs on his list.
