Dylan Larkin could be traded soon as blockbuster deal takes shape!

The Dylan Larkin trade saga has been simmering for months, with Detroit's former captain at the centre of one of the NHL's most talked-about situations. The biggest obstacle to a deal remains Larkin's own list.

According to Pierre LeBrun, speaking on Melnick in the Afternoon last week, some teams have likely put together respectable trade packages for Larkin but simply don’t appear on his approved destination list. That distinction matters enormously, because it means Detroit could be leaving value on the table if those clubs remain excluded.

Among the teams reportedly expressing interest that are not currently on Larkin's list are the Los Angeles Kings, the Montreal Canadiens, the Philadelphia Flyers, and the Boston Bruins. Each franchise brings something different to the table, whether prospect depth, draft capital, or an established roster looking for a centre upgrade.

The situation has clearly started to wear on observers. Fan reaction online has been pointed, with many expressing frustration at the narrowing pool of destinations. One common sentiment is that ruling out a franchise like Montreal simply because it is based in Canada feels unnecessarily restrictive for a player who has publicly stated he wants to compete for a championship. Others pushed back, arguing that several of the interested non-list teams are not realistic contenders and that Larkin is well within his rights to be selective about where he lands next.

Regardless of where people fall on that debate, the practical effect is the same. If Detroit cannot negotiate with every willing buyer, the Red Wings' leverage shrinks. A limited trade list means fewer bidding wars, and fewer bidding wars typically mean a smaller haul for the selling team.

On Wednesday, David Pagnotta reported on how quickly a deal could happen if Larkin adds Montreal to his trade list:

"I think Montreal has an offer that they're ready to present to Detroit [for Larkin]... that will get them over the finish line."

I wonder what the trade offers look like from these suitors that aren’t on Larkin’s own list of preferred destinations. It has to be tough for GM Shawn Horcoff to simply turn them away… None of the specific offers from those four clubs have been confirmed publicly, and it remains unclear whether Larkin might eventually expand his list if the right pitch is made.

The situation appears stuck in a holding pattern, with Detroit waiting for one of Larkin's approved teams to step up with a package that matches what the non-list suitors might already be willing to offer.