The Dylan Larkin trade picture is still taking shape, and several teams are hovering just outside the conversation.
According to Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic, the Minnesota Wild don’t have the NHL pieces Detroit is looking for in a Larkin deal, with their interest leaning more toward future assets and multiple first-round picks. LeBrun also noted that the New Jersey Devils may be holding onto their biggest chips for a possible Quinn Hughes trade, while it’s unclear what the Tampa Bay Lightning could put together. That report was written before Nikita Kucherov asked for a trade.
LeBrun added that the Carolina Hurricanes looked into the idea internally. He also said the Red Wings would likely have interest in Washington Capitals forward Ilya Protas.
Beyond that, the Utah Mammoth have trade options, but it’s not clear how deeply they’re involved. The Colorado Avalanche, Florida Panthers, Vegas Golden Knights, and Dallas Stars, meanwhile, haven’t really been part of the mix.
Other clubs are trying to position themselves for a shot at Larkin’s list. The Fourth Period reported that the Montreal Canadiens, Buffalo Sabres, Boston Bruins, St.
Louis Blues, and Los Angeles Kings are hoping to be added to his trade list. There have also been reports that Detroit has an appealing offer from Buffalo, though Larkin isn’t ready to go there yet.
Montreal, for its part, is also prepared to make a strong offer.
Elliotte Friedman said over the weekend that Larkin could be open to changing his list soon, though there’s no indication yet which teams might be added. For now, Detroit is still more focused on Larkin than on restricted free agent defenseman Simon Edvinsson.
TSN’s Darren Dreger said Larkin’s 10-team trade list remains unchanged at the moment, with Boston and Montreal still hoping to break in. Dreger also said Red Wings GM Shawn Horcoff has been in contact with teams, but hasn’t received an offer he likes. Detroit is expected to have scouts at the Maple Leafs-Mammoth game.
That’s why Boston and Montreal are watching closely. Dreger said both clubs believe they have the kind of pieces that could persuade Larkin to their cities, but that hasn’t happened yet.
Larkin and his agent, Pat Brisson, believe a deal can be worked out from the 10-team list.
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