Surprise trade candidate out of Detroit could move at deadline

It feels like every now and then, at the trade deadline, there is a last-minute twist, a trade that very few insiders saw coming, but then, the trigger gets pulled.

Rory Boylen wonders if it could happen this time around and involve Dylan Larkin of the Detroit Red Wings. The question needs to be ask. Sure, contract negotiations are ongoing between the pending unrestricted free agent and the Red Wings, but Boylen wonders if the team’s leading-scorer could be traded on deadline day if both sides haven’t come to an agreement.

During Tuesday’s Insider Trading on TSN, Chris Johnston revealed how Bo Horvat’s news contract with the New York Islanders could have an impact on Larkin’s price, and this might be what is slowing down the negotiations.

“Horvat establishes a really good comparable for him. Larkin is about 18 months younger than Horvat and has been more productive across his NHL career. This could arrive at a good time because it’s been a real slog, these negotiations with the Red Wings, Larkin has made it very clear that he’d like to stay in Detroit, his only home in a state where he grew up, he’s the team captain and the Red Wings would like to keep him at the right price. Perhaps, as these conversations continue (I think they’re set to resume here shortly), this could at least point them in the right direction because there is a pretty strong comparable to be made.”

If the Wings refuse to come up to that price and can’t get Larkin signed, it would make sense for them to move him closer to the deadline. Detroit is seventh in the Atlantic Division and nine points out of a playoff position, it would make sense to use March 3rd as a signing deadline for Larkin.

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