After Jeff Marek identified three possible trade destinations, Dylan Larkin’s future under Todd McLellan has become a hot topic in the NHL.
On The Sheet, Marek and Max Bultman talked about the captain of the Detroit Red Wings, identifying the Philadelphia Flyers, Boston Bruins, and Montreal Canadiens as good potential matches.
The Seattle Kraken also joined the discussion because of their draft capital and prospect depth, which would allow them to put together a strong offer. Leaving the Eastern Conference clubs as the more compelling options, Bultman resisted that match.
This is not a report that Detroit has placed Larkin on the trade block. But the pressure on the Red Wings is now evident from the fact that reputable NHL personalities are openly evaluating their alternatives.
Detroit has worked hard for years to change from a rebuilding team to a playoff contender. General Manager Steve Yzerman would be forced to explore every possible option, even those that formerly seemed improbable, after another unsatisfactory finish.
The top six for Detroit are still driven by Larkin. He recorded 34 goals and 67 points in 74 games, demonstrating to any interested club that he is a seasoned centre who can manage significant minutes.
In Larkin conversations, Boston and Montreal are prominent.
Montreal would be a particularly interesting fit. Without having to wait for a younger center to mature, the Canadiens might get another established weapon in Larkin because of his speed, regulated entries, and ability to attack from the middle.
It is much simpler to grasp Boston’s need. The Bruins have been looking for a top-tier center that can set the tempo, play on the power play, and deal with challenging opponents.
Philadelphia represents a distinct opportunity. The Flyers might consider Larkin to be an experienced center who can help their younger forwards and immediately increase the potential of their top six.
Larkin’s contract would make any talks complex. This is much more than a short-term deadline move, as his $8,700,000 cap hit is active until the 2030-31 season.
In addition, Detroit would need a return powerful enough to warrant transferring its most experienced forward and captain. Only choices would probably not be sufficient for a team that is still aiming to advance.
Even if there is no confirmation that conversations are taking place, the debate has generated genuine excitement about Larkin’s name. A trade situation that may alter Detroit’s trajectory has Montreal, Boston, and Philadelphia at its core.
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