The Victors

I think you can say what they have, which is we will try to trade you but we insist on equal value and we are trying to win so we are not interested in picks. Otherwise, you play. Now, things have obviously deteriorated which was not evident before the trade demand. That is on Larkin but it's also on Yzerman to make sure Larkin is happy enough to play.

As for the futures, I am sure Yzerman didn't want a package of picks. However after exploring trades for equal value, he probably concluded they'd get better value with picks than with players. I totally agree with Yzerman here. That's reality. I don't side with Ilitch or Yzerman on this. My position is don't trade him.

If you are going to take picks, it has to be a great offer. If we get a couple first rounders or a high first rounder with a 2nd to start, or maybe a first and a couple top prospects, etc. you can work a deal. You could possibly turn around and flip the picks for a Larkin replacement.