Dylan Larkin Expands Trade List To 8 Teams Just Days Before The Season.

The reputation of now former Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin took a serious hit this summer as far as the Red Wings diehard fan base is concerned after Larkin demanded to be traded while still wearing the "C" on his jersey.

Larkin Turns The Fans Against Him.

It wasn't just that the captain had demanded to be traded that irked fans however but the circumstances under which he reportedly did so, leaving the Red Wings with just 3 options for a trade. Through the use of his no-movement clause Larkin reportedly informed the team he would only accept a trade to the Vegas Golden Knights, Minnesota Wild, or Florida Panthers, none of whom were in a position to make the Red Wings an offer that would make sense for the franchise.

A Change Of Heart Or Feeling The Heat?

While fans were initially outraged with Larkin giving the Red Wings such limited options to move him, it sounds like his desire to get out of Detroit may have increased. For one reason or another it sounds like what was once a list of just 3 teams has now expanded all the way up to as many as 8 teams.

"I think it's more now.... I think some of the other teams that are there are Colorado, Washington, and I suspect Dallas and Tampa," revealed Friedman on the 32 Thoughts Podcast. "I don't know how big that list is... I think it's somewhere around 8."

It may simply be a case of Larkin wanting out of Detroit so bad that he's willing to consider more options, but there could be another factor at play here as well. The backlash against Larkin on social media was considerable over the summer but it reached a fever pitch on September 17th when Larkin joined interim Red Wings general manager Shawn Horcoff for what was a catastrophic press conference for Larkin.

Many now expect that Larkin will be treated to a chorus of boos on home ice at Little Caesars Arena and his desire to avoid that rather ugly scenario may have been the motivation he needed to expand that initial list of just 3 teams.

Too little too late?

If Larkin was hoping to avoid starting his season as a member of the Red Wings that press conference did him no favors. Larkin's value certainly wasn't bolstered by his showing in front of the cameras and although he has expanded his list, he has done so when most teams around the league have their rosters set for the upcoming season.

We are just 3 days removed from the official start of the NHL season and with so little time left to make a trade before the season, Larkin may very well have to wear the Red Wings jersey a few more times before finding a new home.