Dylan Larkin Requests a Trade
Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin has reportedly requested a trade, according to sources cited by Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet. There has been no official comment from Larkin, his agent Pat Brisson, or Red Wings General Manager Steve Yzerman.
The potential addition of Larkin to the free agent market, which is already thin, could significantly impact offseason moves for interested teams. Larkin possesses a full no-trade clause this season, giving him substantial control over his destination. Having experienced playoff hockey through international play with Team USA, his impressive performance in those events has likely fueled his desire for a change.
Many teams are expected to pursue Larkin’s services. This trade speculation has been building, stemming from discussions between Larkin and Yzerman last year. Notably, Larkin has not participated in the playoffs since his rookie season in 2016, a drought of ten years, suggesting a strong desire for a new environment.
David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period suggests that the Vegas Golden Knights should not be counted out as a potential landing spot for Larkin, especially considering his connection with Jack Eichel. The question remains whether Vegas can afford to make such a move after their Stanley Cup Final appearance.
Irf Gaffar of The Fourth Period mentions the Minnesota Wild and Montreal Canadiens as potential trade partners, which makes strategic sense. However, the Los Angeles Kings are also in need of a center, and Ken Holland, who drafted Larkin when he was the GM of Detroit, could be a factor.
Emily Kaplan of ESPN reports that issues between Larkin and the Red Wings management predate his current contract, which was finalized shortly before the 2023 trade deadline. Larkin currently earns $8.7 million annually, with his contract extending through the 2030-31 season. Despite his Michigan roots and desire to play for the Red Wings, the ongoing friction and the team’s lack of playoff success have led to this situation.
Darnell Nurse and the Edmonton Oilers Appear Headed for a Split
Defenseman Darnell Nurse and the Edmonton Oilers are reportedly moving towards a separation, according to Mark Spector of Sportsnet. Nurse has one more year remaining on his contract with a no-trade clause, after which it converts to a 10-team trade list.
Reports from last season indicated that the Oilers were considering moving on from Nurse and his significant Average Annual Value (AAV) of $9.25 million. Spector suggests that Oilers GM Stan Bowman will be discussing Nurse’s preferences with him in the coming days.
The aim is to trade Nurse next season, even though he holds considerable leverage. This is a sensitive matter, as Nurse was signed to a long-term deal partly to keep Connor McDavid happy. The Oilers crucially need cap space to assemble a competitive team for the upcoming season.
Dave Pagnotta of The Fourth Period highlights this as a pivotal summer for the Edmonton Oilers, particularly with the situation surrounding Connor McDavid. Nurse’s name has been circulating in trade rumors for some time, and the Oilers attempted to move him at the trade deadline. While Nurse is open to remaining in Edmonton, he is also willing to explore the right environment. The San Jose Sharks have been linked to him.
Jim Biringer raises the question of whether Darnell Nurse’s contract could make him a salary cap casualty as the Edmonton Oilers look to free up cap space.
