Red Wings face monster trade possibility involving BOTH Dylan Larkin and Simon Edvinsson

The Detroit Red Wings entered the 2026-27 season expecting to compete, but unresolved contract disputes have thrown the organization into turmoil. Now, one of the NHL's most prominent insiders is floating a scenario that would shake the franchise to its core.

Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reported on his 32 Thoughts podcast that the Red Wings have reached "a standstill" in negotiations with former captain Dylan Larkin. That alone remains a significant storyline, but paired with the ongoing Simon Edvinsson saga, Friedman suggested Detroit GM Shawn Horcoff could be looking at something far bigger, perhaps the option of one trade becoming two and get deals for both players.

"What if you've suddenly been handed an opportunity to do two trades that could remake your team and make your players happy?" Friedman said.

The idea of moving both Larkin and Edvinsson in a package deal, or as part of a coordinated set of trades, would represent a blockbuster shakeup for a franchise that has been trying to claw its way back into contention.

Pulling off such a move during the regular season would be extremely difficult, given the salary implications and the steep asking price Detroit would presumably demand for two core pieces.

The Edvinsson situation has been escalating for weeks. The restricted free-agent defenseman reportedly prefers a trade out of Detroit. Rather than report to training camp, Edvinsson returned to Sweden, where he has been skating on his own.

Detroit initially pursued a bridge deal with the young blueliner but has since shifted its approach. Friedman reported that the Red Wings have made longer-term contract offers, though likely not a five-year term, since that would align Edvinsson's deal with fellow defenseman Moritz Seider's contract timeline.

"Detroit has maintained in the last couple days that they're going to sign Edvinsson and they're going to get this done," Friedman said. "But I also do believe, and there are practical reasons for this, that they have gauged his market."

The Larkin standoff adds another layer of complexity. With the former captain's situation reportedly going nowhere and Edvinsson openly seeking a change of scenery, Horcoff may be weighing whether a dramatic roster overhaul is the best path forward.

Both players remain in limbo, and the rest of the league is almost certainly watching closely, especially with Larkin making his season debut tonight in Hockey Town. If Detroit does decide to move its former captain and one of its most prized young defensemen, the ripple effects across the NHL could be enormous.