Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin has submitted a trade request, asking the team to move him. Now, Red Wings legend Darren McCarty has shared his honest opinion on the request.
“It’s embarrassing,” he says.
Dylan Larkin grew up just outside Detroit and was selected by the Red Wings in the first round of the 2014 NHL Draft. He was viewed as the hometown star who would help lead the franchise into a new golden era.
READ MORE: Dylan Larkin faces fan backlash after trade request
Missed 10 of 11 playoffs
However, in Larkin’s 11 seasons with the Red Wings, the team has made the playoffs only once — during his rookie season in 2015–16. Now, after serving as team captain for the past six seasons, Larkin has requested a trade. He also holds a full no-trade clause, which could make it difficult for the Red Wings to secure a strong return in any potential deal.
According to reports, Larkin has provided a shortlist of preferred destinations: the Florida Panthers, Minnesota Wild, and Vegas Golden Knights.
Dylan Larkin trade request
Larkin’s decision has come as a surprise to many fans, some of whom have accused him of betraying his hometown team. Now, Red Wings legend and four-time Stanley Cup champion Darren McCarty has shared his thoughts on the situation. He did so on the Woodward Wings podcast.
“The way I see it, he was always the hometown kid. The one thing here, when you look at it, is that I don’t understand quitting. I know it’s a struggle and stuff like that, and he’s entitled to do whatever he wants. But as the captain of the Detroit Red Wings, it’s something that obviously is embarrassing. Because when the going gets tough, the mentality is to dig in deeper,” McCarty said on the podcast before continuing.
READ MORE: Darren McCarty speaks out after Claude Lemieux’s passing
Darren McCarty’s honest words
“I automatically think about the guys who persevered — Barkov in Florida. Ovi is another one. I don’t understand it. Obviously, he has his reasons, but you’re either in or you’re in the way. So you’re definitely in the way. No matter if you’re the top guy or the bottom guy, if you don’t want to be here, I don’t want you here,” McCarty said.
You can watch the podcast below.
READ MORE: Fans react to Dylan Larkin’s 3-team trade list
