
Deal incoming?
The Detroit Red Wings may already have multiple legitimate trade offers on the table for Dylan Larkin, but apparently, none have been enough to convince the organization to pull the trigger.
According to a new report from Nick Kypreos, Detroit is continuing to hold out for a potentially massive return for its captain, even as interest from around the NHL continues to build. Kypreos reported that the Red Wings “are sitting on multiple offers that I’m told are deemed fair, but they continue to wait for a triple, if not a home run.”
That revelation adds another fascinating layer to an increasingly complicated situation in Detroit. The Red Wings appear to have opportunities to move Larkin, but the front office is seemingly unwilling to settle for a package that merely meets the market value of its veteran forward.
Larkin remains an important player, and moving a captain with his experience, leadership and offensive ability would be a significant decision for any organization. However, if Detroit is serious about moving in a different direction, it will eventually have to decide whether chasing a blockbuster return is worth the risk of holding onto a player who may no longer fit into its long-term plans.
The list of interested teams reportedly includes the Minnesota Wild, Montreal Canadiens and Vegas Golden Knights, although there is an important distinction between teams that want Larkin and teams he would actually accept a trade to. Minnesota and Vegas were among the original destinations Larkin was willing to consider, while Montreal has reportedly shown serious interest but remains off his approved list.
One of the biggest developments in this saga came earlier this week, when Larkin reportedly expanded his list of acceptable destinations to 10 teams. The expanded list gives Detroit more potential trade partners and could make it easier for interim general manager Shawn Horcoff to find a deal that satisfies the organization's demands.
The 10 teams are the Florida Panthers, Minnesota Wild, Vegas Golden Knights, Dallas Stars, Washington Capitals, Carolina Hurricanes, Utah Mammoth, Tampa Bay Lightning, New Jersey Devils and Colorado Avalanche. Notably, the Canadiens are still excluded, despite the enthusiasm Montreal fans have shown for the idea of bringing Larkin aboard.
That distinction could prove crucial. Montreal might have the prospects and young talent necessary to interest Detroit, but the Red Wings cannot simply send their captain to the highest bidder if that destination is not one he is prepared to accept.
The Wild and Golden Knights are particularly interesting potential destinations because both were on Larkin's original list. Minnesota could view the veteran center as a significant addition to its lineup, while Vegas has established a reputation for pursuing major roster upgrades when an opportunity presents itself.
The challenge for Detroit is finding a package that includes the kind of immediate help the organization reportedly wants. The Red Wings are not simply looking to collect draft picks and prospects in exchange for their captain. Reports indicate they want players who can contribute to the NHL roster now, alongside the possibility of additional future assets.
And that brings us back to Kypreos' latest report.
If Detroit already has multiple offers that it considers fair, the question becomes how much longer Horcoff and the Red Wings are willing to wait for something better. Holding out for a major return is understandable when trading a player of Larkin's importance, but there is always a danger that an acceptable offer disappears while a team waits for a better one.
Larkin is a proven offensive center who scored 34 goals and recorded 67 points during the 2025-26 season. He is also signed through 2030-31, with an $8.7-million annual cap hit and a full no-movement clause, making both the financial and contractual details important considerations for any interested club.
For Detroit, this is about more than getting a respectable return. The organization needs to make a decision that supports its next phase of roster construction.
For Larkin, the situation remains a waiting game. His expanded list has given the Red Wings more options, but Kypreos' report suggests that the offers already available have not yet met Detroit's ambitions.
The big question now is whether a team such as Minnesota or Vegas will eventually sweeten its offer enough to convince Detroit to accept a deal, or whether the Red Wings will continue holding out for that elusive home run.
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A lifelong hockey fan with a background in professional writing for major international brands, Trevor joined Attraction Media in 2017. Since then, he's been breaking news, analyzing moves and serving up hot takes from around the hockey world for Hockey Feed's 500,000+ followers.
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