Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin has reportedly identified his preferred trade destinations, reportedly narrowing his list to three NHL teams. According to Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press, these teams are the Vegas Golden Knights, the Florida Panthers, and the Minnesota Wild.
Larkin’s reported preference for these clubs stems from existing connections with Team USA members on each roster. He has ties to Matthew Tkachuk in Florida, Jack Eichel in Vegas, and Quinn Hughes, Brock Faber, and Matt Boldy in Minnesota.
Potential Fit with Each Team:
Florida Panthers
A trade within the division to the Florida Panthers would likely demand a significant return for the Detroit Red Wings. General Manager Steve Yzerman would expect a substantial package of picks and prospects, as inter-division trades typically carry a high price.
Vegas Golden Knights
The Vegas Golden Knights are known for their aggressive approach to acquiring desired players. GM Kelly McCrimmon is unafraid to make bold moves. However, Vegas faces cap constraints, with Larkin’s $8.7 million annual salary over the next five years presenting a considerable challenge to fit under their salary cap.
Minnesota Wild
Beyond player connections, Larkin shares a link with Minnesota Wild GM Bill Guerin, who was previously involved in discussions for Quinn Hughes. With Minnesota’s needs down the middle, acquiring Larkin aligns with their goal of winning a Stanley Cup.
While these three teams are reportedly at the forefront, St. James also suggests that Larkin might consider expanding his list. Potential landing spots could also include the Tampa Bay Lightning, Anaheim Ducks, and New York Islanders.
The prospect of a Dylan Larkin trade has generated considerable speculation. Minnesota appears to be a strong contender, though they also face the need to extend Quinn Hughes. Both Vegas and Florida, along with Tampa Bay, would need to navigate significant cap maneuvers. For instance, Vegas may need to address extensions for players like Pavel Dorofeyev and Rasmus Andersson, potentially involving players like Tomas Hertl or Adin Hill.
The cost of acquiring Larkin from Detroit would be exceptionally high for both Florida and Tampa Bay due to their divisional status. The Panthers are unlikely to part with Anton Lundell, a player the Red Wings would likely target. Florida’s GM Bill Zito might need to explore creative solutions, potentially involving players like Carter Verhaeghe, a high draft pick, and other assets.
Other intriguing teams that could be in the mix include the Anaheim Ducks, Los Angeles Kings, New York Islanders, and the newly formed Utah team.
English Translation:
Dylan Larkin Wants to Go to Three Teams
Dylan Larkin has narrowed his list to three teams
Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press writes about Dylan Larkin’s trade request from Detroit. The Red Wings captain has narrowed his list to three teams: the Vegas Golden Knights, Florida Panthers, and Minnesota Wild.
As St. James noted regarding these teams, Larkin has Team USA connections on each team. In Florida, it is Matthew Tkachuk, in Vegas, it is Jack Eichel, and in Minnesota, it is Quinn Hughes, Brock Faber, and Matt Boldy.
Florida Panthers
In order for the Red Wings to trade within the division, GM Steve Yzerman would need a substantial haul in return for Larkin. It is not just picks and prospects; the in-division price is always high.
Vegas Golden Knights
The Vegas Golden Knights do whatever it takes to acquire players they like and that fit their system. GM Kelly McCrimmon is not afraid to move on from players. Vegas doesn’t exactly have the cap space to take on Larkin’s $8.7 million over the next five years.
Minnesota Wild
Outside of the players, Larkin has a connection to GM Bill Guerin. Guerin was involved in discussions for Quinn Hughes last year, as were the Red Wings. The Wild GM went all in, and given their issues down the middle, adding Larkin makes sense. The Wild want to win a Stanley Cup, and adding Larkin aligns with that goal.
Helene St. James also mentions that Larkin may need to expand this initial list and notes that the Tampa Bay Lightning, Anaheim Ducks, and New York Islanders could be potential landing spots as well.
Ever since the news broke, Dylan Larkin has wanted to be traded from the Detroit Red Wings. Everyone has wondered what a trade for the Red Wings captain would look like and where he could go.
Minnesota makes the most sense. However, the Wild also need to extend Quinn Hughes. Again, Vegas, Florida, and Tampa Bay all need to rework their cap situation. Not to say they can’t do it, but the Golden Knights have to sign Pavel Dorofeyev, Rasmus Andersson, and extend others. Tomas Hertl and Adin Hill could be players on the move there.
As for Florida and Tampa Bay, the in-division price will be high. The Panthers don’t want to move off Anton Lundell, and that is a player the Red Wings will ask for back in a trade. Florida GM Bill Zito will have to get creative and maybe move someone like Carter Verhaeghe, the 9th overall pick, and other pieces.
Teams like the Anaheim Ducks, Los Angeles Kings, New York Islanders, and Utah Mammoth are intriguing.
