Doug MacLean was the assistant GM of the Detroit Red Wings when Steve Yzerman was captain of the team. He’s the first to admit that he doesn’t know Dylan Larkin. That doesn’t mean he can’t have an opinion on Larkin’s decision to quit on the Wings.

MacLean’s opinion? Well, let’s just say Larkin has left MacLean unimpressed.

Appearing on the Real Kyper and Bourne Show on Sportsnet, former NHLer and show co-host Nick Kypreos was welcoming MacLean to the show by questioning Larkin’s decisions. Kypreos described what Larkin has done since the end of last season – quitting twice on his team – as unprecedented in hockey.

MacLean wasn’t looking to disagree.

“It’s beyond explanation for me what’s gone down since this whole debacle started,” MacLean said. “I’m serious, I’ve never seen anything like it.

“I don’t know Dylan Larkin. He’s a good player. He’s making $8.75 for five more years.

“This is your captain? This is your captain, and this is going on? A Detroit kid? I’m really confused by this.”

Larkin made a formal trade request to the Red Wings shortly after the end of last season. The team made the decision to strip Larkin of his captaincy by the team on the eve of training camp.

On Thursday, Red Wings interim GM Shawn Horcoff revealed that Larkin had informed him he wouldn’t be playing for the team again and would be sitting out until his trade request is accommodated.

MacLean Preaches Patience to Red Wings Brass

MacLean didn’t deny Larkin’s right to ask for a trade. He also wasn’t disputing Larkin’s right to play a role in determining his future destination through his no-movement clause.

Still, he couldn’t help but wonder why Larkin is doing this to his hometown team.

“You fight for a no-movement clause, you get your no-movement clause, and yeah, you haven’t made the playoffs,” MacLean said. “They haven’t made the playoffs in 10 years. I get that.

“Yzerman is gone [as Red Wings GM], which everybody thought was the problem. He’s gone. And obviously, that wasn’t the whole problem.

“He keeps having to add to his trade list. I’m looking at these teams. Other than Minny, and I hear Minny’s really on the hunt for him, but good grief.”

MacLean’s advice to Horcoff is not to make a trade before the time is right.

“I’ll tell you what, if Detroit doesn’t hold out and get the right deal … they should let him sit.”