Expect the Red Wings to Remain Aggressive This Offseason

When it was announced that Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin requested a trade from his hometown team, it certainly caught the hockey community off guard and left many wondering what’s next for the historic franchise. 

Did Larkin throw a wrench into Detroit’s plans? How will they move forward?

One proposed route is to embark on another retooling/rebuilding phase. The thing is, I’m not so certain the Red Wings are interested in another retool – regardless of how long it might take. In fact, I think they’ll maintain the status quo and look to add this offseason in the hopes of making the playoffs in 2027. Here’s why.

Red Wings Likely to be Aggressive With Offseason Additions

My current read is that there likely won’t be a quick resolution regarding the Larkin trade request saga – I don’t expect the Red Wings to receive a market value offer within the next couple weeks.

Many have already noted Steve Yzerman’s mentality in these kinds of situations. The uber-competitive general manager won’t be backed into a corner and will hold out for the right deal. 

Given this, I can see Yzerman holding off on a trade. Larkin may have requested one, but Yzerman’s main job is to improve the Red Wings, after all. He won’t budge until he feels he’s getting a fair deal that can help the franchise.

It should also be noted that the 2026 NHL Draft and free agency are only a couple weeks away. These are really the only opportunities for Yzerman to improve the roster this offseason. While trades can happen later in the summer, the draft and free agency represent the best chance to address major needs before next season. And, as a reminder, the stated goal for the offseason was improvement. 

So, unless Larkin is moved before the draft—I previously noted this as an unofficial deadline—Yzerman will need to proceed as if he’s shooting for a playoff berth next year. He cannot afford to sit on his hands while the Larkin trade drama sorts itself out.

Detroit still needs to add a 2C and a top-six scoring winger, plus make some changes to the bottom six. Regardless of what comes out of the trade request, I anticipate Yzerman pursuing these upgrades.

On a similar note, I wouldn’t expect pre-emptive retooling moves in anticipation of a Larkin trade. I don’t believe that there’s appetite to do this, and signalling a retooling phase would also weaken Yzerman’s hand in discussions with potential Larkin suitors. At the moment, this direction just isn’t in the cards – for better or for worse.

Think about it: Sebastian Cossa has been in the rumor mill lately. Would the Red Wings be dangling him if they were preparing for a significant step backward? It’s difficult to see the logic in that approach. Goaltending prospects are typically more valuable to teams thinking long term than teams focused on immediate contention. 

If anything, there would be discussions about John Gibson, who could help a win-now team and bring back a solid haul. Moving a surplus asset like Cossa likely means a return that addresses a weak area elsewhere in the organization.

Final Word

Again, this is my read on the situation. I know there are many that believe the Red Wings should wait for clarity on Larkin’s future before making significant additions. However, doing so risks wasting valuable opportunities at the draft and in free agency, particularly if a trade remains unresolved for months.

Time will tell if this is the right path for the desperate franchise.