{"id":688170,"date":"2026-06-06T15:55:11","date_gmt":"2026-06-06T15:55:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/688170\/"},"modified":"2026-06-06T15:55:11","modified_gmt":"2026-06-06T15:55:11","slug":"how-sensible-is-it-for-each-nhl-team-to-make-a-dylan-larkin-trade","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/688170\/","title":{"rendered":"How sensible is it for each NHL team to make a Dylan Larkin trade?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Dylan Larkin\u2019s future has become one of the top storylines heading into the NHL offseason after the longtime Detroit Red Wings captain and Michigan native shockingly requested a trade, according to league sources<\/a>.<\/p>\n

That has led to league-wide speculation about where the 29-year-old center, who has control of his situation with a full no-trade clause, might fit on the market this summer.<\/p>\n

How sensible is it for each team to make a trade involving him?<\/p>\n

This week, The Athletic asked its NHL staff to put teams into one of four categories: it makes a lot of sense, it makes some sense, it makes a little bit of sense and it makes no sense.<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s what they said.<\/p>\n

Anaheim Ducks<\/p>\n

It makes a lot of sense<\/p>\n

One development in the Ducks\u2019 breakthrough season was Mason McTavish\u2019s inability to lock down the No. 2 center spot. Healthy scratches during the regular season and playoffs have put McTavish in the trade rumor mill. Unless they believe top prospect Roger McQueen has the offensive upside to eventually slot in behind Leo Carlsson, it would behoove general manager Pat Verbeek to gauge his former boss Steve Yzerman\u2019s interest in a McTavish-centered trade package. \u2014 Eric Stephens<\/p>\n

Boston Bruins<\/p>\n

It makes some sense<\/p>\n

The Bruins do not have a No. 1 center. Larkin would be an excellent linemate for David Pastrnak. But the Bruins also need a high-end right-shot defenseman, and the defenseman is the priority. Do they have enough trade assets to land both? \u2014 Fluto Shinzawa<\/p>\n

Buffalo Sabres<\/p>\n

It makes some sense<\/p>\n

I don\u2019t know if the Red Wings are going to be willing to trade Larkin within the division, but the Sabres should inquire. They have a lot to figure out this summer when it comes to the salary cap, but top-six centers don\u2019t become available too often. Depending on the cost, Larkin could be a nice fit on a young center depth chart. \u2014 Matthew Fairburn<\/p>\n

Calgary Flames<\/p>\n

It makes no sense<\/p>\n

The Flames are a rebuilding team and there\u2019s no need for them to put together a package for the 29-year-old center. They\u2019re much better off trying to draft or trade for a younger version of him. The Flames are on the right track, but it\u2019ll take them some time before they\u2019re truly ready to be a viable destination for players of Larkin\u2019s caliber. \u2014 Julian McKenzie<\/p>\n

Carolina Hurricanes<\/p>\n

It makes a lot of sense<\/p>\n

The Hurricanes seem to have found their second-line center in Logan Stankoven, but you can never be too deep down the middle. Larkin would certainly be of interest to the Hurricanes, who have Jordan Staal \u2014 three months shy of his 38th birthday \u2014 under contract for one more season. Larkin is also a player whom coach Rod Brind\u2019Amour has long admired, and Carolina has the assets \u2014 surplus draft picks and a top prospect in Bradly Nadeau \u2014 to make a strong pitch to the Red Wings. \u2014 Cory Lavalette<\/p>\n

Chicago Blackhawks<\/p>\n

It makes some sense<\/p>\n

The Blackhawks are open to adding a viable top-six forward. Larkin is probably a little older than what they were hoping to target, but it\u2019s not as if his play is falling off. He\u2019d be a serious upgrade for the Blackhawks. He\u2019s also played for Jeff Blashill before. His contract, including the money and term, would fit Chicago, too. The question is whether the Blackhawks have what the Red Wings would want for him. Detroit is looking to win now and probably wants more than first-round picks. \u2014 Scott Powers<\/p>\n

Colorado Avalanche<\/p>\n

It makes no sense<\/p>\n

The Avalanche seem pretty set at center for the foreseeable future, with Nathan MacKinnon signed through 2031, Brock Nelson signed through 2028 and Nazem Kadri signed through 2029. Those three centermen account for a combined $25.7 million, and recently acquired Nicolas Roy is also still under contract for next season. Colorado could probably make better use of its available cap space by extending Brett Kulak and\/or adding another blueliner. \u2014 Jesse Granger<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\n Gold medal-winning USA teammates Zach Werenski and Dylan Larkin are both from Michigan. (Gregory Shamus \/ Getty Images)<\/p>\n

Columbus Blue Jackets<\/p>\n

It makes some sense<\/p>\n

Oh, the irony if Dylan Larkin should end up in Columbus. For years, Blue Jackets fans have listened to Red Wings fans plot and organize for Michigan native Zach Werenski to leave the Blue Jackets for his hometown team. Now, Larkin, in this imagined scenario, would leave Detroit for Ohio. The Jackets would be formidable with Adam Fantilli, Charlie Coyle and Larkin (in some order) centering their top three lines. Plus, it would help assure Werenski\u2019s continued happiness after six non-playoff seasons. \u2014 Aaron Portzline<\/p>\n

Dallas Stars<\/p>\n

It makes no sense<\/p>\n

While it\u2019s fun to dream about a lineup that has Wyatt Johnston, Roope Hintz, Matt Duchene and Dylan Larkin down the middle, and while Jim Nill is never shy about making a big move, Dallas\u2019 focus this offseason is getting Jason Robertson under contract. There simply won\u2019t be money to make Larkin fit (unless Nill were willing to move out someone such as, say, the extremely talented but injury-prone Hintz). \u2014 Mark Lazerus<\/p>\n

Detroit Red Wings<\/p>\n

It makes a lot of sense<\/p>\n

It would be hard to pick any other category with Larkin requesting a trade. The harder question is which direction they take in a trade: try to replace Larkin to continue chasing the playoffs, or look to go younger and retool? It could be a robust trade market this summer, and Larkin is now squarely at the center of it. \u2014 Max Bultman<\/p>\n

Edmonton Oilers<\/p>\n

It makes a little bit of sense<\/p>\n

The Oilers are strong up the middle with Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, so Larkin would be a luxury. However, if (as was implied by management in exit interviews after the season) the team wants to run McDavid and Draisaitl together on the same line, Larkin would be an option for second-line center. Darnell Nurse would need to be part of the return for the Red Wings. Otherwise, the Oilers\u2019 roster is too cap-heavy to bring in Larkin\u2019s contract. Detroit may find more attractive offers. \u2014 Allan Mitchell<\/p>\n

Florida Panthers<\/p>\n

It makes a little bit of sense<\/p>\n

You can never count the Panthers out when it comes to making a big deal. And Florida certainly has the cap space to accommodate Larkin, especially if Sergei Bobrovsky leaves as a UFA. But this is a team well set down the middle, and the Panthers aren\u2019t exactly loaded with picks and prospects to send the other way. Plus: Would Detroit really want to move him to a division rival? \u2014 James Mirtle<\/p>\n

Los Angeles Kings<\/p>\n

It makes a lot of sense<\/p>\n

They\u2019ve got a serious need for a proven center to pair with Quinton Byfield, and while Larkin would not turn the Kings into a Stanley Cup contender, he\u2019d fill a gaping hole in the middle as they head into the post-Anze Kopitar era. But even if Larkin was open to a reunion with Kings general manager Ken Holland, do they have enough quality assets to facilitate a deal? Look, they\u2019re not rebuilding \u2014 even if many Kings fans say they should \u2014 so you would imagine that Holland is interested. \u2014 Eric Stephens<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\n If Dylan Larkin wants to come to Minnesota, he would have plenty of friends, such as Team USA teammate Quinn Hughes. (Nick Wosika \/ Imagn Images)<\/p>\n

Minnesota Wild<\/p>\n

It makes a lot of sense<\/p>\n

The Wild will pursue Larkin, plain and simple. After giving up a haul for Quinn Hughes, it\u2019s uncertain if they have enough to get it done. But Larkin controls the process because of his no-trade clause, so if he wants to come to Minnesota, the Wild may not need a package that beats out teams he has no interest in. The Wild need a No. 1 center, love Larkin, have connections to him throughout the organization because of USA Hockey, and he\u2019s got plenty of friends in Minnesota. But he has friends in many places and will generate a lot of interest. \u2014 Michael Russo<\/p>\n

Montreal Canadiens<\/p>\n

It makes a lot of sense<\/p>\n

It sure makes a lot of sense for the Canadiens to make a pitch for Larkin because he would be the ideal candidate to fill their gaping hole in the middle of their second line. But it would make absolutely zero sense for Steve Yzerman to trade Larkin to a direct competitor in his division, and if he did, the price would surely be significantly higher because of that. \u2014 Arpon Basu<\/p>\n

Nashville Predators<\/p>\n

It makes some sense<\/p>\n

A 29-year-old center who has been roughly a point-per-game player for the past five seasons? Yes, this should interest the Preds. If all goes well under new personnel chief Chris MacFarland, they could be competitive with plenty of good hockey left in his career. Do they have anything to offer while protecting the top prospects? That\u2019s a more difficult question. Ryan O\u2019Reilly and some picks? That seems like a stretch.\u00a0\u2014 Joseph Rexrode<\/p>\n

New Jersey Devils<\/p>\n

It makes some sense<\/p>\n

It would be a big move to kick off the Sunny Mehta era, and it would likely come at a high cost. Would moving the necessary pieces to get the Red Wings to make a deal deplete the roster too much? Would it require Nico Hischier going the other way? It makes some sense, but it\u2019d also require balancing the potential risk with the reward. \u2014 Peter Baugh<\/p>\n

New York Islanders<\/p>\n

It makes a little bit of sense<\/p>\n

The Islanders unquestionably need more top-six talent, and Larkin is exactly that. He\u2019s a two-way center who can be leaned on in all situations and would give the team a boost opposite Bo Horvat in the top six. The problem is, the Islanders would be paying top dollar for a center when that isn\u2019t technically their No. 1 area of need. Sure, Mathew Barzal and Brayden Schenn could both shift to wing to open up a spot for Larkin, but it\u2019s a pricier path than necessary. \u2014 Shayna Goldman<\/p>\n

New York Rangers<\/p>\n

It makes a little bit of sense<\/p>\n

Larkin makes sense if the Rangers want to put themselves in playoff contention, and all indications are that Chris Drury wants to do just that. But New York would have to pay a heavy price that would presumably include win-now pieces going back to Detroit. It might not be the time to make a move like that, given where New York is in its contention window. Plus, Larkin might nix a trade to a non-playoff team. \u2014 Peter Baugh<\/p>\n

Ottawa Senators<\/p>\n

It makes a little bit of sense<\/p>\n

As unlikely as it might be, there\u2019s no harm for the Senators to at least see what the asking price is on Larkin. After all, the Sens are trying to solidify their playoff status in hopes of being a veritable contender. Their biggest holdup is having the necessary assets to acquire him. And that\u2019s before knowing whether Detroit would deal in-division, or whether Larkin, who has a no-trade clause, would come to Canada. But we\u2019re always open to surprises in the nation\u2019s capital. \u2014 Julian McKenzie<\/p>\n

Philadelphia Flyers<\/p>\n

It makes a lot of sense<\/p>\n

The Flyers have a solid group of still-improving young players in place, as evidenced by their surprising run to the second round of the playoffs. What they don\u2019t have is a potential top-line center on the roster or in the system. That\u2019s most likely going to have to be acquired via trade, so if Larkin is available, I would expect the Flyers to be very interested. \u2014 Kevin Kurz<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\n Could Dylan Larkin join Sidney Crosby and the Penguins this offseason? (Charles LeClaire \/ Imagn Images)<\/p>\n

Pittsburgh Penguins<\/p>\n

It makes a lot of sense<\/p>\n

The Penguins are looking for an impactful forward, preferably a young one. They have an enormous amount of cap space. They have Bryan Rust and Rickard Rakell, veteran forwards who might well be appealing to the Red Wings. They have draft picks and prospects to offer, too. Larkin isn\u2019t a youngster, but I still think he makes a lot of sense for the Penguins. I\u2019d be surprised if Kyle Dubas doesn\u2019t inquire. \u2014 Josh Yohe<\/p>\n

San Jose Sharks<\/p>\n

It makes no sense<\/p>\n

With Michael Misa progressing nicely as a rookie with a big future ahead for the 19-year-old, the Sharks could already have their second-line center for many years and don\u2019t need Larkin as much as other teams. Especially if it will cost several assets to get him \u2026 including Misa, who is 10 years younger and could have at least a Larkin-like ceiling. \u2014 Eric Stephens<\/p>\n

Seattle Kraken<\/p>\n

It makes a lot of sense<\/p>\n

We know the Kraken pushed hard for Artemi Panarin and are eager to make a splash in a crowded Seattle sports market in which they\u2019ve struggled to resonate. It follows that a star first-line center \u2014 and a member of the USA Olympic gold medal team \u2014 would fit the bill as a headliner for the Kraken. Seattle would also have the assets, including potentially Shane Wright, to dangle credibly in return. The question is whether Larkin would accept a trade to a non-contender in the Pacific Northwest. \u2014 Thomas Drance<\/p>\n

St. Louis Blues<\/p>\n

It makes a little bit of sense<\/p>\n

Many Blues fans are wondering if anything could make sense here. I even saw a straight-up one-for-one trade proposal for Robert Thomas. Would Larkin be great to have? For sure. But if the Blues were wondering whether Thomas, 26, was young enough to fit their time frame to contend again, how would Larkin, who\u2019ll be 30 in July, fit? If the Blues were interested in Larkin, it would be veering off the path they\u2019ve set, and if they\u2019d give up Thomas to make a deal, then we know the motive for moving him is not his age. \u2014 Jeremy Rutherford <\/p>\n

Tampa Bay Lightning<\/p>\n

It makes no sense<\/p>\n

Between Brayden Point and Anthony Cirelli, the Lightning have strength down the middle of the top six. Would Larkin punch that up? Sure, likely shifting Cirelli to more of a shutdown 3C role to deepen the lineup. But that just shouldn\u2019t be a priority right now. The Lightning have bigger questions to answer and limited assets to figure it all out, so this would be too out of budget. \u2014 Shayna Goldman<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\n Trading for Dylan Larkin makes sense in many ways for Toronto. (Dan Hamilton \/ Imagn Images)<\/p>\n

Toronto Maple Leafs<\/p>\n

It makes a lot of sense<\/p>\n

Larkin is just what the Leafs need right now, a No. 2 center who can provide two-way support behind Auston Matthews. Add Larkin, mind you, and the Leafs can finally lessen John Tavares\u2019 responsibilities by moving him down the lineup or over to the wing as he heads into his 18th NHL season. The timing couldn\u2019t be better either, with Matthews wavering on his future in Toronto. Do the Leafs have the goods to pull it off? Does Larkin want to be a Leaf? If so, yes, this makes a lot of sense. \u2014 Jonas Siegel<\/p>\n

Utah Mammoth<\/p>\n

It makes some sense<\/p>\n

Larkin and Logan Cooley would be a strong one-two punch down the middle, plus it would allow Nick Schmaltz to return to the wing, where he\u2019s arguably more effective. The debate will come down to whether now is the right time for this up-and-coming Mammoth team to spend premium prospects and draft picks on a soon-to-be-30-year-old, especially when Caleb Desnoyers might plug the team\u2019s top-six center hole at some point down the road anyway. \u2014 Harman Dayal<\/p>\n

Vancouver Canucks<\/p>\n

It makes no sense<\/p>\n

The Canucks are rebuilding. Larkin absolutely rocks, but he\u2019ll turn 30 this summer and, in any event, surely wouldn\u2019t waive his no-trade clause to join a rebuilding team in western Canada. If there\u2019s a Canucks angle to this, it\u2019s whether or not Detroit might consider rolling the dice on Elias Pettersson as a first-line center replacement after first making a Larkin deal.\u00a0\u2014 Thomas Drance<\/p>\n

Vegas Golden Knights<\/p>\n

It makes no sense<\/p>\n

From a roster-building and needs perspective, Larkin to the Golden Knights doesn\u2019t make much sense. Vegas has its four centers (Jack Eichel, Tomas Hertl, William Karlsson and Nic Dowd) under contract for multiple years, and they account for a combined cap hit of $29.15 million. It doesn\u2019t seem like there\u2019s room for another expensive center. But it\u2019s the Golden Knights, so never count them out. \u2014 Jesse Granger<\/p>\n

Washington Capitals<\/p>\n

It makes some sense<\/p>\n

The Capitals, as ever, are looking to add a high-end piece. Larkin would qualify, and a center depth chart including him, Dylan Strome and Pierre Luc-Dubois would be intriguing, but adding him wouldn\u2019t fix their primary issue. They\u2019d still be a well-built team without a true franchise-caliber player, and while they\u2019d be closer to true-contender status, they\u2019d still have some work to do. \u2014 Sean Gentille<\/p>\n

Winnipeg Jets<\/p>\n

It makes some sense<\/p>\n

Winnipeg is trying to re-establish a competitive window despite missing the playoffs in 2026, and its biggest hole by far is a center of Larkin\u2019s caliber to take some of the offensive workload off Mark Scheifele. The Jets would get more out of their top players, offensively and defensively, if they had a second scoring line they could count on. The one concern? Larkin\u2019s trade protection. \u2014 Murat Ates<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Dylan Larkin\u2019s future has become one of the top storylines heading into the NHL offseason after the longtime…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":688171,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[66],"tags":[4830,1785,1809,4047,4821,4824,1223,392,4825,1786,1792,4832,4820,393,4828,1787,4826,4822,394,4823,385,1319,1789,1790,835,4831,99,1610,4819,1788,4829,1320,1793,1791,4827],"class_list":["post-688170","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-nhl","tag-anaheim-ducks","tag-boston-bruins","tag-buffalo-sabres","tag-calgary-flames","tag-carolina-hurricanes","tag-chicago-blackhawks","tag-colorado-avalanche","tag-columbus-blue-jackets","tag-dallas-stars","tag-detroit-red-wings","tag-edmonton-oilers","tag-fantasy-hockey","tag-florida-panthers","tag-los-angeles-kings","tag-minnesota-wild","tag-montreal-canadiens","tag-nashville-predators","tag-new-jersey-devils","tag-new-york-islanders","tag-new-york-rangers","tag-nhl","tag-ottawa-senators","tag-philadelphia-flyers","tag-pittsburgh-penguins","tag-san-jose-sharks","tag-seattle-kraken","tag-sports","tag-st-louis-blues","tag-tampa-bay-lightning","tag-toronto-maple-leafs","tag-utah-mammoth","tag-vancouver-canucks","tag-vegas-golden-knights","tag-washington-capitals","tag-winnipeg-jets"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/688170","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=688170"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/688170\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/688171"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=688170"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=688170"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=688170"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}