Dylan Larkin Tops NHL Trade Board After 34-Goal Captain Requests Move

Q: With his trade list so short, is Dylan Larkin's massive contract now impossible for Detroit to move?

No. Larkin’s deal is difficult to move, but not impossible. The biggest obstacle is not the $8.7 million cap hit itself. In a league with the cap rising to $104 million for 2026-27 and projected to keep climbing, Larkin’s contract looks more manageable than it would have a year or two ago. For a 29-year-old, six-time 30-goal scorer who plays center and handles tough two-way minutes, that number is still viewed as reasonable market value. What makes this hard is his leverage. Larkin’s full no-trade clause lets him effectively limit Detroit to Minnesota, Vegas and Florida, which kills the chance of a broad bidding war. That weakens Steve Yzerman’s return and gives those clubs more negotiating power. It also matters that all three are contenders with cap pressure of their own, especially Vegas, which already has major extension and roster decisions to make. Detroit still has paths. Yzerman can try to push Larkin to expand his list, wait for cap situations to change later in the summer, or use salary retention and multi-player structures to make a deal work. Florida and Minnesota are more realistic fits than Vegas if the Red Wings want a cleaner cap match and a stronger package. So the contract is movable; the restricted market is the real problem. If Larkin sticks to only three teams, Detroit can trade him, but likely at a lower return than a player of his caliber would normally command.

3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Jun 8

Dylan Larkin moved to No. 1 on The Athletic’s updated NHL offseason trade board after Detroit’s 29-year-old captain requested a trade following a 34-goal, 67-point season.
Three teams — Minnesota, Vegas and Florida — are Larkin’s preferred destinations, but his no-trade clause means Detroit may try to widen the market to maximize a return.
Nico Hischier was the other major addition, debuting at No. 16 as New Jersey works to extend the 28-goal captain and would consider a trade only if talks stall.
The refreshed board also highlights a broader summer market for centers, defensemen and even top draft assets, including San Jose’s No. 2 pick and Chicago’s No. 4 pick.