​There are moments in sports when everyone has to decide whether they’re going to keep looking backward or start building forward.This feels like one of those moments.With Steve Yzerman stepping away as general manager, the conflict that reportedly drove a wedge between Dylan Larkin and the Detroit Red Wings no longer has to define the future of this franchise.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementTo both sides, I’d simply ask this:Give each other one more chance.Dylan Larkin trade rumors Open Letter to Dylan Larkin and the Red WingsYou’ve worn the Winged Wheel with pride for more than a decade.You’ve carried this franchise through some of its darkest years. You’ve answered difficult questions after heartbreaking losses. You’ve endured rebuild after rebuild while never asking to leave until now.Nobody can question your passion.Nobody can question your loyalty.Nobody can question what it has meant for a kid from Waterford to become captain of the team he grew up dreaming about.If the reports are accurate, your frustration wasn’t about money.It wasn’t about fame.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementIt was about wanting to win.Frankly, Red Wings fans should respect that.But circumstances have changed.The person you reportedly lost faith in is no longer making hockey decisions.That changes everything.If there was ever a moment to reconsider, this is it.Not because fans want you to stay.Because this is still your team.You once said after signing your eight-year extension that you knew winning wouldn’t happen overnight, but you wanted to be part of bringing the Stanley Cup back to Detroit.That dream doesn’t have to die today.This is your captain.Not just another player.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementNot just another asset.This is someone who chose to stay when leaving would have been easier.Someone who embraced the pressure of leading an Original Six franchise during one of the most difficult stretches in its history.If mistakes were made, own them.If communication broke down, fix it.If trust was lost, earn it back.The next general manager shouldn’t begin his tenure by trading away the face of the franchise if there’s still a path toward reconciliation.Sometimes the biggest move a leader can make isn’t pulling off a blockbuster trade.Sometimes it’s bringing people back together.Detroit Red Wings Elias Pettersson trade Detroit Red Wings recall Sebastian Cossa Red Wings recall Michael Brandsegg-Nygard Dylan Larkin injury update Red Wings unrestricted free agents Dylan Larkin trade destinations Daniil Tarasov Red Wings Chase Stillman Red Wings Dylan Larkin trade rumors Todd McLellan Red WingsRed Wings fans don’t want another summer dominated by trade rumors.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThey want hope.Imagine the message it would send if Christopher Ilitch, the incoming general manager, and Dylan Larkin stood together before training camp and announced they were moving forward as one.No bitterness.No linger