Red Wings at an impasse with Dylan Larkin and Ken Holland may be to blame.

Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin put on a show at the National Hockey League's All-Star Game this weekend with a performance that many felt was worthy of the All-Star Game's MVP award, an award that instead went to hometown favorite Matthew Tkachuk of the Florida Panthers. While Larkin benefited from positive coverage over the weekend due to that performance, his return to Detroit will come with the return of questions about his long-term future in the city.

The Red Wings and Larkin currently appear to be at an impasse and it may be one that will remain unless Larkin himself has a change of heart. On the most recent episode of his podcast, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman revealed his belief that Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman has reached the end of his rope when it comes to contract negotiations.

"I think it's a lot tougher with Larkin in Detroit," said Friedman on the 32 Thoughts Podcast. "I think that Steve Yzerman has proven that there is only certain places he is willing to go, and I think he has said he has reached his line or at least is close to his line. And when Steve Yzerman, as Steven Stamkos knows, reaches his line... there's very very little movement."

Now you may be thinking that the obvious option in a scenario such as this would be simply to trade Larkin to another team ahead of the trade deadline, before his contract expires at the end of the season, but it won't be so simple for Steve Yzerman if he chooses to walk that path.

Prior to Yzerman taking over as general manager of the Red Wings, former Red Wings general manager Ken Holland signed Larkin to a contract that has left Yzerman in a rather unfavorable position. Holland granted Larkin a no trade clause in the final year of his contract, giving the player full control over whether or nor he will be moved ahead of the deadline.

"Larkin has a no trade clause, I don't know what is going to happen here I really don't," said Friedman.

"I don't think the Red Wings are bending to Larkin, and I think it's been harder for them than they thought or realized," concluded the insider.