We’ve covered Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman’s remarks from his post-draft press conference regarding his disgruntled captain in both Tweet, article and video form, and as The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun promised a response from Dylan Larkin’s agent, Pat Brisson, here’s what LeBrun and Max Bultman have to report as of 7:35 PM EDT:
Reached by The Athletic, Larkin’s agent Pat Brisson also broke his silence on his client’s trade request Saturday. Brisson felt it appropriate to comment given that Yzerman had also finally talked about it with media.
As far as Yzerman saying there’s no guarantees he can meet the trade request and he has to do what’s best for the organization, Brisson took no issue with those comments.
“I understand where he’s coming from,” Brisson said. “The process is that we’ve had discussions for the last month or so. And we’ve agreed that we’ll be working together on this. I do understand that Steve and the organization have to do what’s best for the Red Wings. We’re trying to work as a ‘team’ together on this to reach each of our goals, so to speak.
“It’s not an easy process. But this is something that, it’s not my first time, it’s not our first time (Yzerman included), and we’re trying to navigate this the best way possible to reach our goals. We know it’s a sensitive file, understanding what Dylan means to the Red Wings and also to USA Hockey and the world of hockey. He’s a really good hockey player. But we’re going to continue to the best of our abilities to eventually each our goals.”
Asked to confirm whether any teams were now on the short list of approved teams, Brisson would not go there.
“With respect to the process, I’ve always refused to discuss the teams and the number of teams,” said Brisson. “I want to keep as much of these conversations confidential as possible.”
As for how far the process has come in terms of trade talks and Brisson trying to help Yzerman get to the finish line, is there a timeline coming into sight?
“Honestly, I don’t really have any idea,” Brisson said. “I really don’t. We’re working on it on a day-to-day basis. That’s all I can say.”
Continued (paywall); again, Pat Brisson has been in the business for over 30 years, and he’s got a cavalcade of clients, many of whom have remained with their teams for their entire careers…
But I just find the irony of the fact that it’s been 23 years since Brisson guided Sergei Fedorov out of Detroit due to a contract dispute to be too bloody rich to ignore.
