Dreger on Larkin’s trade request, Toronto’s coaching search and Cassidy’s situation

Dylan Larkin's unexpected trade request has sent shockwaves through the NHL, with insider Darren Dreger revealing the move was years in the making and deeply personal—far beyond a simple desire to win. Larkin, a Detroit native and franchise cornerstone, is reportedly frustrated by the Red Wings' lack of competitive ambition and the organization's failure to support him, despite his loyalty. The leak of his request has complicated negotiations, as both Larkin and his agents (CAA) wanted the process handled privately. Meanwhile, the Toronto Maple Leafs are in a wide-open coaching search, with Peter Laviolette and Patrick Waugh among the top candidates, though no timeline exists and emotional factors—like Waugh’s recent personal loss—are slowing progress. The Edmonton Oilers remain locked in a tense standoff with the Vegas Golden Knights over Bruce Cassidy, who is under contract and unwilling to leave, raising questions about the NHL’s lack of standardized coaching contracts and the power dynamics between teams and players. As the league grapples with these high-stakes moves, the absence of a clear succession plan for Commissioner Gary Bettman looms as a quiet but growing concern.