We Now Know Which Teams the Red Wings Want to Add to Larkin's Trade List

The Dylan Larkin situation in Detroit just keeps getting messier. Every time it feels like this saga might be approaching some kind of resolution, another wrinkle emerges that pushes a deal further away. And now, thanks to reporting from NHL insider Pierre LeBrun, we have a much clearer picture of exactly where things stand between the Red Wings and their former captain, and it's not great for anyone involved.

Larkin, who has been suspended without pay after refusing to suit up for Detroit while awaiting a trade, holds a full no-trade clause in his contract. He initially provided the team with just three acceptable destinations before eventually expanding that list to 10 teams. That seemed like progress at the time, but interim general manager Shawn Horcoff has apparently been unable to find a deal among those 10 clubs that makes sense for the organization. So the Red Wings went back to Larkin's camp and asked for more flexibility.

Larkin's Camp Shuts the Door on Expanding the List

According to LeBrun, who shared the details during an appearance on RDS's Aux 4 coins de la LNH, Horcoff recently reached out to Larkin's agents, Pat Brisson and Matt Williams, to explain that he had explored trade possibilities with all 10 approved teams and come up empty on a satisfactory return. Horcoff reportedly asked whether Larkin would be willing to add six to eight more teams to his approved destinations.

The answer from Larkin's camp was a firm no.

Brisson reportedly told the Red Wings that Larkin had already made a significant concession by expanding his original list from three teams to 10, and that Detroit should be able to find a workable deal within that group. That's a tough pill for Horcoff to swallow, especially when you consider the specific teams that LeBrun identified as being among those Detroit wanted to add.

The Montreal Canadiens, Boston Bruins, Buffalo Sabres, and Los Angeles Kings have all reportedly expressed interest in acquiring Larkin but remain outside his list of approved destinations. Each of those teams could theoretically put together compelling trade packages, but none of it matters if Larkin won't waive his no-trade clause to go there.

Montreal, for instance, could use a proven top-six center to complement Nick Suzuki. Boston has been connected to Detroit players as well, including defenseman Simon Edvinsson. But reported interest and an achievable trade are two very different things when the player holds all the cards on where he ends up.

A Standoff With No End in Sight

The core problem facing the Red Wings is a frustrating one. The teams that might offer Detroit the best return may not be the teams Larkin is willing to join. And the teams he has approved either can't or won't meet Horcoff's asking price.

Horcoff has been clear about his priorities. He wants players who can contribute to the roster right away rather than a package built primarily around future draft picks. That approach has reportedly made negotiations difficult with Minnesota, which is believed to be one of the more interested clubs on Larkin's approved list. The Wild have the advantage of being an acceptable destination, but they've apparently struggled to put together an offer that satisfies Detroit's demands. There has even been talk of the Philadelphia Flyers potentially stepping in as a third-team facilitator to help make the financial side of a Minnesota deal work.

Larkin's $8.7 million cap hit through 2030-31 adds another layer of complexity. Any acquiring team would need to either have the cap space to absorb that number or work out a salary retention arrangement with Detroit, which would leave the Red Wings carrying a portion of the financial burden for years.

For now, this remains a full-blown standoff. Larkin wants out of Detroit. The Red Wings want a return that genuinely helps the franchise move forward. And Larkin's representatives have made it clear they're not willing to make further concessions to help Horcoff get there. Something will have to give eventually, but based on everything we're hearing, that moment doesn't appear to be coming anytime soon.