As the Detroit Red Wings continue navigating a pivotal offseason, questions surrounding Dylan Larkin’s long-term future remain a major talking point. Following Steve Yzerman‘s departure as general manager, a respected NHL insider has now shared a concerning update that could have significant implications. If the latest reporting proves accurate, the Red Wings may be facing a situation that is becoming increasingly difficult to reverse.
NHL Insider Makes Concerning Claim About Dylan Larkin’s Future
3Apr 13, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; Detroit Red Wings center Dylan Larkin (71) warms up before a game against the Tampa Bay Lightning at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
The Red Wings are trying to navigate Larkin’s trade request while hiring a new general manager. With Yzerman gone, there was an emerging possibility that it could solve two situations with one decision. However, an NHL insider has thrown cold water on the idea that Larkin could withdraw his trade request.
Larkin’s request has gone far enough that a trade has to happen eventually and that it would be tough to withdraw, as reported by Jeff Marek on Sekeres & Price. This means the 29-year-old Red Wings captain will likely be traded following his request. After all, it was Larkin’s desire to be moved in June.
Following the trade request, Larkin gave Detroit a trade destinations list. This included the Minnesota Wild, Vegas Golden Knights, and Florida Panthers. The Red Wings center later added the Dallas Stars to the trade list. All four teams figure to compete for the Stanley Cup during the 2026-27 NHL season.
So, why is a Larkin trade becoming inevitable for Detroit? There are several reasons behind that claim.
Why a Dylan Larkin Trade Could Become Inevitable
3Steve Yzerman talks to fans about the 1997-98 Stanley Cup run during a ceremony honoring that championship run Saturday, Nov. 5, 2022, at Little Caesars Arena.
When the Red Wings hire a new general manager, there could be a desire to influence Larkin to stay in Detroit. However, this has gone too far to reverse. There is no realistic way for Larkin and the Red Wings to continue their partnership. The damage has already been done, and the genie can’t go back into the bottle.
If Larkin were to return to Detroit, there would likely be hard feelings from fans and the players. The 29-year-old center would likely be stripped of the captaincy in this scenario. After all, the players and fans likely wouldn’t be able to get behind a player who requested a trade from the organization, affecting the offseason.
For example, Patrick Kane could have returned to the Red Wings, but Larkin’s trade request might have steered him away from returning. Meanwhile, free agents would look at Detroit’s situation thinking they wouldn’t contend. The 2026-27 Red Wings team will not be as strong as it could have been if Larkin committed to the process.
Detroit doesn’t have to trade Larkin, but it would arguably hurt the team more than help. At some point, the Red Wings center has to play for a new team. It would simply make more sense for this trade request to reach its conclusion.
What This Means for the Detroit Red Wings Moving Forward
3Feb 28, 2026; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; Detroit Red Wings head coach Todd McLellan looks on against the Carolina Hurricanes during the third period at Lenovo Center. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-Imagn Images
Detroit has several things to figure out before the 2026-27 NHL season. Will Larkin be traded, and what will be the return? Who will become the Red Wings’ new general manager? These are questions that need answers soon, as the regular season is scheduled to start in under two months.
The Red Wings have to find a general manager before executing a Larkin deal. It would make sense for the new executive to handle such a major decision. After all, it will indicate whether Detroit is looking toward future value or hoping to acquire NHL-ready players. Yzerman was looking at the second option.
Entering the 2026-27 NHL season, the Red Wings have the longest Stanley Cup Playoff drought of all 30 teams. It has been a rough journey with Yzerman that continues to get more difficult with Larkin. While a resolution would be beneficial in the near future, it doesn’t appear that it is imminent.
Larkin and Detroit are headed toward a divorce, and it doesn’t seem like it can be fixed. A new era of Red Wings hockey is coming soon. How that will look depends on what the new general manager can acquire for Larkin.
Should the Detroit Red Wings trade Dylan Larkin or wait until the right package emerges, even if it’s during the season?
Read More: Detroit Red Wings ‘Upset’ With Dylan Larkin After Trade Request
Austin Konenski is a writer at Sportsnaut, covering the NHL, MLB, NFL, NBA, and more. His work can also … More about Austin Konenski