We may already know Dylan Larkin's trade destination

UPDATE: Former NHL defenseman turned analyst Erik Johnson is now speculating online that Dylan Larkin could be headed to the Minnesota Wild in an offseason trade.

It's believed that Larkin has had issues with Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman and, specifically, that Yzerman's inability to land superstar defenseman Quinn Hughes in a trade is playing a large part in Larkin's trade demand. Of course, Hughes ended up in Minnesota and that is only furthering the speculation that Larkin is looking to be moved to the Wild.

Read below for our earlier report on this developing story.

The Dylan Larkin Era is over in Detroit.

NHL insider Elliotte Friedman reports today that Larkin, the Red Wings' captain since 2021, has officially demanded a trade from GM Steve Yzerman.

From Friedman's most recent blog for Sportsnet:

According to multiple sources, Dylan Larkin recently requested a trade from Detroit.

There’s a lot to unpack here. First, should mention that no one would comment. Not Larkin, not agent Pat Brisson, not Red Wings Executive Vice-President & GM Steve Yzerman. 

Second, Larkin’s involvement in the trade market is massive. He has a full no-trade clause both this season and next, so his control over the situation does not change July 1. He’s a top-line centre in a league desperate for centres, so there’s going to be a ton of interest. His play at the 4 Nations and Olympics was stellar. That’s going to excite potential trade partners. 

But, what we still have to determine is where he’s willing to go. 

Because no one will talk, we can only guess at the rationale, but there appear to be two critical factors: Detroit’s inability to make the playoffs, and a somewhat frosty relationship between the captain and the team’s top hockey executive. This is also another sign of how the league is changing. Players are getting bolder with these requests — especially in the aftermath of Matthew Tkachuk’s and Quinn Hughes’ power moves into different situations.

There is also the Yzerman factor. He will not be bullied into any scenario he dislikes, no matter how much pressure is applied. It’s hard to believe, though, that someone won’t step up to make it worth his while. 

For more than a decade, Larkin has been the face of the Red Wings. The Waterford, Michigan native fulfilled a childhood dream when the Red Wings selected him 15th overall in the 2014 NHL Draft, and he quickly became one of the organization's most important players during one of the most difficult stretches in franchise history.

Larkin burst onto the NHL scene in 2015-16, recording 23 goals and 45 points as a rookie while helping Detroit reach the Stanley Cup Playoffs. At the time, many believed he would become the centerpiece of the Red Wings' next great era. Instead, Larkin found himself carrying the franchise through a lengthy rebuild that saw Detroit miss the playoffs year after year.

Despite the team's struggles, Larkin consistently produced. His elite skating, two-way play, leadership qualities, and ability to handle difficult matchups made him one of the NHL's most respected centers. He eventually succeeded Henrik Zetterberg as captain, becoming just the 37th captain in Red Wings history. Throughout his tenure, Larkin remained fiercely loyal to the organization, repeatedly expressing his desire to bring Detroit back to championship contention.

That loyalty now appears to have reached a breaking point.

According to today's report from Friedman on, Larkin has requested a trade from the Red Wings after 11 seasons with the organization. Multiple reports indicate Detroit's continued inability to return to the playoffs, coupled with an increasingly strained relationship between captain and management, played a role in the stunning decision.

The development marks a shocking turn for a player who was long viewed as untouchable in Detroit. Earlier this spring, speculation about a potential Larkin trade was widely dismissed, with many around the league believing he would remain a cornerstone of the franchise for years to come.

Now, the future of both player and franchise appears uncertain. Larkin remains one of the NHL's premier top-line centers and is coming off a remarkable international run with Team USA, where his performances at the 4 Nations Face-Off and the Olympic Games further enhanced his reputation around the hockey world. His combination of speed, leadership, and offensive production will undoubtedly make him one of the most sought-after players on the trade market.

If this truly is the end of Larkin's time in Detroit, it will close one of the most significant chapters in recent Red Wings history. Through rebuilding seasons, coaching changes, and constant roster turnover, Larkin remained the heartbeat of the franchise. Whether fair or not, he became the symbol of both Detroit's hopes and its frustrations.

Now, after years of patience and perseverance, it appears Larkin is ready for a fresh start elsewhere.