You probably heard Dylan Larkin being introduced to the Detroit Red Wings crowd before their home opener against the New York Rangers. You can also guess the reaction that Detroiters had when the former Captain (and native of Waterford, Michigan) was introduced to the Little Caesars Arena crowd. Hmm, I wonder how they'll react?
If you haven't caught up on the manga, it goes a little something like this. Larkin grows tired of losing in Detroit and requests a trade. He has a set list of teams, including the Florida Panthers, the Minnesota Wild, and... the Vegas Golden Knights.
But wait, there's more! A second Detroit Red Wing prefers to leave Detroit! That would be Simon Edvinsson, who's in the midst of a massive contract dispute. I can already imagine George W. Bush's aide whispering into the President's ear about another assailant.
"Sir, a second Red Wing is requesting a trade."
Get ready because Bush is about to hit his next drive. But in all seriousness, it highlights the growing dysfunction within the Detroit Red Wings' organization. Fans are calling for owner Chris Ilitch's head as they want change within the storied team's front office.
But Golden Knights fans? Well, they haven't heard of such a thing. They've missed the playoffs once (2021-22), made the Stanley Cup Final three times, and won the Stanley Cup in 2023. Dysfunction? What's that? Never heard of her. By the way, the Red Wings last made the playoffs in 2016.
Why Vegas Golden Knights fans should be thankful that their franchise isn't a complete mess like the Detroit Red Wings
In sports, there's a common trope that permeates throughout each team's hallways. It's the idea that terrific ownership leads to winning pedigrees. We're talking about teams like the Kansas City Chiefs, the Los Angeles Dodgers, and the Vegas Golden Knights. Who we're NOT talking about here are the Red Wings, the Dallas Cowboys, and the Pittsburgh Pirates. I REALLY wanted to say the Cleveland Browns, but they're 3-1 this week. Gotta give them their flowers (for now), you know?
That exists within the Golden Knights' organization, where Bill Foley and company have been one of the most aggressive NHL teams ever. They've pursued stars like Jack Eichel and Mitch Marner, who've gotten them to a Stanley Cup Final. Heck, the former brought a Stanley Cup home to Las Vegas and nearly won the Conn Smythe if Jonathan Marchessault didn't have a spectacular playoff session.
Instead of getting guys like Larkin out of town, the Red Wings bring in guys like Keegan Kolesar. Not that there's anything wrong with the former Stanley Cup champion. But there's a reason why the Golden Knights dealt him to Detroit over the summer: Cap space.
That's been part of the winning formula: A balanced blue line and plenty of forward depth. While there are questions about the goaltending and players like Rasmus Andersson not living up to expectations, the premise is still the same. The Golden Knights are built for the long haul, thanks to a gritty front office and making the right moves. You can't say the same for the Detroit Red Wings.
There's a saying that permeates throughout this fair land that goes a little something like this. "Hey, it could be much worse." For Golden Knights fans, that's certainly the case as a former Captain looks to join Vegas in its pursuit for a second Stanley Cup.
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