Dylan Larkins future with the Detroit Red Wings remains uncertain, but one NHL analyst believes Steve Yzermans departure has reopened the conversation.Speaking on The Sheet with Jeff Marek, Red Wings writer Max Bultman said there is now a better chance of Larkin staying. However, he stressed that the next general manager must present a convincing plan to make Detroit competitive again.I would say more than there was before, but I think a lot of it still depends so much on who the new person is and what kind of vision they want to sell, Bultman said.MORE: Maple Leafs No. 1 pick Gavin McKenna already embracing life in TorontoBultman also questioned whether Detroits current roster is capable of keeping pace in the Eastern Conference.Patrick Kane goes out, Victor Arvidsson comes in. Youre kind of in the same place you were.This offseason wasnt all that eventful in terms of the roster transactions so far, Patrick Kane goes out, Victor Arvidsson comes in, Bultman said. Youre kind of in the same place you were.Larkin requested a trade earlier this offseason after frustrations with the teams direction under Yzerman. Although Yzerman later stepped down as general manager, the captains future remains unresolved. Detroit also lost Patrick Kane in free agency after he returned to the Chicago Blackhawks, replacing him with Viktor Arvidsson while reshaping other areas of the roster.Still, Bultman noted that competing in the Eastern Conference will be more difficult next season. He said, Floridas gotten way better and healthier. Washingtons gotten way better. I think New Jerseys going to be a team to be reckoned with next year.A competitive plan is only way forward for Red WingsDetroit Red Wings center Dylan Larkin (71) skates with the puck at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn ImagesBultman believes Detroits next hockey executive faces an immediate challenge if the organization wants to repair its relationship with its captain.If youre a new GM coming in, I think if you were going to try to sell Dylan Larkin on staying, it has to probably be predicated on getting competitive, Bultman said.He also questioned whether that goal can be achieved quickly, mentioning, I wonder if a new GM just looks at that and says, Is that really realistic?'The Red Wings finished 41-31-10 last season and missed the playoffs for a tenth straight year. Meanwhile, rivals across the Eastern Conference have continued to strengthen, making Detroits path even more difficult.MORE: Canadiens would be all over Kirill Marchenko if Blue Jackets change courseSo, Bultmans comments reflect the reality facing the organization. Larkin is under contract through 2030-31 and controls his future with a full no-trade clause. Unless the next general manager presents a credible plan to build a playoff contender, convincing the captain to remain in Detroit may prove just as difficult as finding a trade that satisfies both sides.