Dylan Larkin's list of approved trade destinations just got bigger, and Steve Yzerman is the reason.
Pierre LeBrun reported that Yzerman went to Larkin's camp and asked to expand the original list. That's a general manager working to widen his own market.
And LeBrun finally put names to that original list. It was the Wild, the Golden Knights and the Panthers. Three teams, no more.
The key part is what came next. LeBrun's sense is that agent Pat Brisson was receptive to expanding it, at least to some degree.
His conclusion sealed it. He doesn't think we're just dealing with those three teams anymore.
LeBrun's reporting reshapes the whole Larkin picture, starting with how small the market used to be.
-
Brisson's flexibility tilts the leverage back to Yzerman
Here's why three teams was a problem for Detroit. A short approved list is a seller's nightmare. Fewer bidders means less competition, which means a softer return.
Expanding it flips that. More suitors means more offers, and more offers means Yzerman can actually create a bidding war instead of taking what three teams feel like giving.
It also explains the recent flood of names. Dallas, San Jose, Utah and Philadelphia have all surfaced in the chatter, and that makes sense if the list quietly grew.
The agent piece is the real story, though. Brisson is one of the most powerful agents in hockey, the same name tied to Larkin's whole exit. His cooperation matters.
By playing ball, Brisson helps his client land somewhere strong while helping Detroit get more in return. A wider market serves both sides, which is why he budged.
Remember the return reality too. David Pagnotta said the best offers looked futures-driven, the kind that reset Detroit's rebuild. A bigger market is how you change that math.
Here's my read: this is smart maneuvering by Yzerman. A captain with a short list hands the leverage to the player. Expanding it claws some back for the team.
This might be the move that actually gets a Larkin deal across the line. Three teams rarely close a fair trade. Eight or ten can.
The market just got more competitive. Whether it finally yields NHL-ready value or more futures is the next question, and it's coming fast.
Was Yzerman right to push for a bigger Larkin trade list?
Also read on Markerzone.com:
With Darnell Nurse gone the Edmonton Oilers are eyeing a big forward and the clock is ticking
