The Detroit Red Wings are sitting in last place in the Atlantic Division, as the start of the season has been a struggle. The struggles started in the offseason, though. The team decided to move on from Steve Yzerman as the General Manager, moving him into a new role with the team. They then dragged their feet on finding a GM, landing on an internal candidate, Shawn Horcoff, as the interim. Meanwhile, the team failed to come to terms with restricted free agent Simon Edvinsson, who is still without a contract and away from the team. To make matters more difficult, the Red Wings captain at the time, Dylan Larkin, requested a trade.
Now, as the calendar moves to mid-November, Horcoff is giving an update on both Larkin and Edvinsson, per Nicholas J. Cotsonika of NHL.com.
“Horcoff said it was ‘status quo' with center Dylan Larkin and defenseman Simon Edvinsson,” Cotsonika wrote.
Status quo means two players are not on the ice. Larkin requested the trade after the Wings missed the playoffs last year. He has a full no-trade clause and has been trying to force his way to a team of his choosing. With the trade request, the Red Wings stripped Larkin of his captaincy. After missing the first two games of the season, Larkin played in ten games before leaving the team and being suspended indefinitely.
“Ideally, we get something that works for both sides, right?” Horcoff said of a possible Larkin trade. “But it has to be something that helps this team.”
Meanwhile, Edvinsson's rights are still owned by the Red Wings. He is a restricted free agent, but without a contract. He is currently working out in Nashville, which is a positive sign, considering he was working out in Sweden. Still, without a contract, time is ticking to get something done. He must sign by December 1 to be eligible to play this year. With no contract agreement in sight, Edvinsson has requested a trade as well.
“I’d still like to sign Simon, but I think when it’s someone like that and the situation that we’re in, you can’t help but take calls,” Horcoff said. “It’s my job to do what’s in the best interest of the Detroit Red Wings. I’m going to take all those calls and hear what people have to say.”
The Red Wings have missed the playoffs for ten straight seasons, the longest drought in their franchise history and the longest active drought in the NHL.
Article Continues Below“I think we’re in a situation where we have to get better,” Horcoff concluded. “I think it’s no secret. We look at our team, and we have to continue to improve, so we’re out there actively trying to do that. I’ve been clear in what I’ve said in trying to improve that young core group that we have, and we’re going to make sure our guys are out there seeing hockey.”
Better may need to start by bringing in players who want to be part of the franchise.
The Red Wings return to the ice on Tuesday night, visiting the St. Louis Blues.