“Larkin to Montreal is what makes sense. But Larkin has got to come around to it and, obviously, he hasn’t as of now,” as stated by Bryan Hayes on TSN. “But the idea of having [Nick] Suzuki and Larkin as your one-two in Montreal with all the firepower on the wing and all of the prospects on the system. That just makes too much sense. And [Larkin] is locked up, like all the other players.”

Out of the four teams Larkin has reportedly given the green light to, only the Minnesota Wild are serious about acquiring him. However, that seriousness can’t help them grow prospects or NHL-ready centers out of trees and reach an agreement with Detroit.

That’s where the Canadiens could enter the conversation. The Habs have it all: the cap space, the prospects, and the trade package. All they are missing, however, is Larkin’s thumbs-up.

Larkin must waive his NTC for Montreal

Signed to a No Trade Clause (NTC), Larkin has the final say. He decides where he will go next. He can’t determine when, though, and is now forced to wait for Detroit’s hiring resolution. Until then, he won’t be headed anywhere in the NHL.

Regardless, sooner or later, the Red Wings will hire Steve Yzerman’s successor, and when that happens, the floodgates may open for Larkin’s trade. If Montreal shows interest in Detroit’s captain, a trade could happen. But it will come down to Larkin and whether he waives his NTC for the Habs.

Moreover, trading Larkin to an Atlantic Division rival might be frowned upon in Motor City, so it won’t exactly be the best way to introduce the new front office in town. Still, the other viable option may be the Wild, and the latter likely won’t have a better offer than the Canadiens. Just like Detroit is wary making a deal with Montreal, Larkin might have his doubts about moving to Canada, as well.

Larkin may not want to move to Montreal

Larkin’s reported four-team trade list paints a clear picture of everything the disgruntled captain is after. His selection of Vegas, Florida, Minnesota, and Dallas hints at three things. Larkin wants to join a Stanley Cup contender and a team with major presence of fellow Team USA gold medalists.

Although his main option is the Wild, the three other choices hint that Larkin also favors an NHL organization in a no-income-tax state. While Stanley Cup contenders, the Canadiens, Montreal, and playing for a Canadian team don’t meet any of the other criteria. In fact, they might all be at the opposite end of the spectrum.

Moreover, the latest trend in the NHL hints that Team USA players are on their way out of the Great White North. Brady Tkachuk asked out of the Ottawa Senators despite being the team captain, while both Auston Matthews and Connor Hellebuyck are surrounded by trade speculation with their respective Canadian clubs, the Toronto Maple Leafs and Winnipeg Jets.

Who Larkin could reunite with

In Montreal, Larkin could still join forces with Americans Cole Caufield and Lane Hutson, who weren’t Team USA representatives at the 2026 Olympics—which was a controversial decision in its own right and one that led to social media backlash. Larkin and Caufield usually skate together during the offseason, but it remains to be seen if the former would want to join him in Quebec.

At the end of the day, it still feels unlikely that Larkin pulls the trigger on a move across the border. However, judging by how the buzz around him has dried up and considering his main options are unrealistic, Larkin might change his plans.

Minnesota is interested but has its hands tied behind its back. Florida, Vegas, and Dallas are staying idle with their arms crossed. Montreal, on the other hand, has its arms open wide. It’s up to Larkin whether he will accept the hug.

“The Detroit Red Wings today acquired forward Sutter Muzzatti from the Nashville Predators in exchange for future considerations. Additionally, the Red Wings have signed Muzzatti to a two-year, entry-level contract,” the Red Wings announced on their social media.

NCAA prospect Muzzanti, who scored 32 points (13 G, 19 A) in 39 games for Notre Dame last season, is definitely not on Larkin‘s level. But the fact that Detroit completed a trade before the 2026-27 NHL season and prior to hiring a new general manager and president of hockey operations may leave the Red Wings’ captain confused about his future.

Although it’s a somewhat minor trade, the fact that the Red Wings even made one is interesting on its own. Amid the drama surrounding Larkin and his trade request, it was reported that assistant general manager Shawn Horcoff, who is operating as interim GM and handling daily tasks, wasn’t granted permission to discuss trades.

Red Wings can make trades, just not Larkin’s

Now, it becomes clear that Red Wings owner Chris Ilitch and company meant he couldn’t complete Larkin’s trade—or that of any staple NHL-rostered player, for that matter. Horcoff has been given the green light to pursue moves like the one to acquire the 23-year-old center from Nashville’s pipeline. Still, it begs the question: Is Larkin closer to being traded now that Detroit’s front office has come to life in the dog days of summer? Or is he in the same spot he was in before the latest trade in the league?

The answer is unclear, and not even the Red Wings may have an answer. Still, recent progress could also hint that a decision on Larkin is closer to being made. Whether that means trading him or figuring out a way to retain the captain, that’s a true mystery. Most likely, nothing will happen until Ilitch and the Red Wings—and the outside search firm—land on their ideal candidate. In that regard, progress has reportedly been made.

“Multiple sources confirm that the Detroit Red Wings’ general manager/president of hockey operations process is indeed already underway, with interviews having already taken place and continuing today,” as reported by Ryan Hana from Winged Wheel Podcast.

Buzz around Detroit’s new GM

It’s unclear exactly who has been, is being, or will be interviewed for the vacancy in Detroit’s front office. The carousel is running wild with names. What’s important, though, is what happens once a hiring is made: What will Larkin make of it, and is there a scenario in which he walks back his trade request? It’s unlikely, but the Red Wings will give it a try.

The latest trade for Muzzanti indeed proves there is someone sitting in the vacant chair left by Steve Yzerman’s sudden departure. However, the interim GM has no access to the red button that would send Larkin to one of his preferred destinations. There’s reason to believe only Ilitch has access to it—and has it under lock and key, out of reach.

For the time being, Larkin won’t be traded. But the building in Motor City has come to life, the phone lines are clearly working, the meeting room is loud, and something might be brewing. Under wraps for now, but soon, it could all change.

This is the status quo surrounding Larkin and the Red Wings. All the while, a trade remains on standby because there is no active general manager in Motor City. The Red Wings want to retain their captain and reportedly won’t hold a grudge against Larkin should he walk back his trade request.

However, there may be no going back. According to reports, not even the organization’s management overhaul may be enough, at least not for the time being. With or without Steve Yzerman running the show, Larkin wants a fresh start in the NHL.

“I don’t think there’s been really any change,” Bob Duff reported on Larkin’s trade saga with the Red Wings on NHL Tonight. “There’s no indication that the switch in management is going to lead [Larkin] to wanting to remain here.”

Could Larkin stay in Detroit?

It’s definitely a possibility. With every passing day that Larkin isn’t shipped off to a new destination, it only grows more likely. However, it could all change once the search firm hired by owner Chris Ilitch reaches a decision and a new general manager is hired in Motor City.

The GM hiring could go either way. Larkin may like the new hire and decide to give him a chance to make things right, or the new GM could come in ready to press the red button and finally complete Larkin’s trade.

For the time being, however, and as long as there is no general manager at the helm of Detroit’s front office, trade talks will remain postponed, or at least won’t materialize. Moreover, Larkin’s narrow trade list guarantees there will only be a handful of options.

Larkin will face pressure

Regardless of whether he stays with the Red Wings or is traded, Larkin should know better than to expect everything to be rosy. Not only is the grass not always greener on the other side, but Larkin’s pressure to perform and win will follow him to his next team, too.

If he joins a new club after wanting out of Detroit because he was tired of losing, he will be expected to lead a winning team right away. On the other hand, if Larkin stays in Motor City, not only will he have to win back a fanbase that has given up on him—just as the captain did on the franchise’s direction—but he will also be under the spotlight, likely even booed in his first outings.

Whether the jeering will stop will hinge on Larkin and the rest of the team. If they can’t get off to a hot start, the boiling pot that will be Little Caesars Arena will only get hotter.

As confirmed by EA Sports’ NHL 27 ratings reveal, Larkin is coming into the season with an 89 overall rating. Though not too shabby, it leaves him outside the top 50. Instead, Larkin is the 62nd-highest-rated player in the NHL.

Red Wings teammate Alex DeBrincat is the next skater in the ratings rankings, with an identical 89 overall. However, Larkin and DeBrincat aren’t the highest ranked players in Detroit. That honor belongs to Lucas Raymond, even though he has the same overall. For Larkin, his rating represents a downgrade after he finished NHL 26 with a 90 overall.

However, Larkin had also entered that game with an 89 overall, which was increased during a midseason update. Coming off the dramatic offseason, which has yet to be resolved, Larkin’s rating dropped by one point, returning to the same mark he had a year ago.

Larkin is outside top 10 among centers

Perhaps more painful than falling outside the top 50 among all players in the game is the fact that Larkin doesn’t rank among the top 10 centers in the NHL. In fact, he isn’t even in the top 15.

For the Red Wings, it might hurt their odds of coming away with the desired return package in a Larkin trade even more. With his 89 overall, Larkin ranks No. 18 among centers, though he is tied with Tage Thompson, Nick Schmaltz, and Evgeni Malkin.

Among Team USA’s centers, Jack Eichel and Jack Hughes lead the way with a 94 overall, ranking seventh and eighth among centers, respectively. Auston Matthews fell outside the top 10, ranking 11th with a 92 overall.

Larkin could be traded before video game launches

EA Sports NHL 27 comes out worldwide on Sept. 11. Larkin’s rating will be an 89 overall, with a chance of going up or down throughout the season. However, the real question is whether he will still be with the Red Wings by the time the video game comes out on next-gen consoles, or if he will be playing for a different NHL organization.

“I would think [Larkin] will be accepted in the locker room,” Red Wings beat writer Ted Kulfan said on 97:1 The Ticket. “That won’t be an issue, things get worked out between those guys.“

While they may not all agree with Larkin’s decision to request a trade, NHL players can see where the center is coming from, and the Red Wings’ locker room is no different. Thus, Larkin may not be walking into the wolf’s mouth if he returns to Detroit, at least for training camp. How the loyal fanbase in Motor City would react, however, is another question.

Larkin trending to stay in Detroit for a while

“As we get closer and closer to training camp, I can definitely see Larkin at least reporting to camp and starting the season with the Wings,” Kulfan stated during his appearance on the radio show.

That would definitely be a risky strategy, though. Fans would most likely jeer Larkin every time he touches the puck if he starts the 2026-27 NHL campaign with the Red Wings after asking for a trade and triggering a costly domino effect in the process.

However, Detroit may have no choice but to go down that route. The Minnesota Wild need outside help to trade for Larkin, and no interested team is willing to meet the Red Wings’ demands, leaving Detroit facing a major problem in trade talks because of its high asking price.

Can Detroit and Larkin figure things out?

The simplest solution seems to be to try and figure things out. That will come at a cost, but if booing is the price to pay, then Larkin and the Red Wings will have to foot that bill. It might not last long.

If Larkin redeems himself and the team gets off to a hot start, all may be forgotten, and the captain might even change his mind about his plans for the future. Unlikely? Perhaps, but it still seems like the best shot both parties have at the moment.

Things can change when the puck drops, but until then, Larkin and Detroit will have to go through with the plan.

Just as the Red Wings face a major problem because of their high asking price for Larkin, the Wild lack the assets that would make Detroit interested in sending its captain to Minneapolis. Minnesota has seemingly accepted its fate.

Perhaps the only way the Wild could trade for Larkin is if another organization chimes in and lends them a hand. Indeed, the only way for Larkin to head to the Land of 10,000 Lakes may be through a three-way trade.

“The problem is the Wild’s assets are what they are,” Michael Russo reported on The Sheet podcast. “They aren’t going to suddenly magically give up [Matt] Boldy in a Dylan Larkin trade. So unless [the Red Wings] are going to want futures that aren’t sure things, I don’t know how that deal is going to get done. Unless it’s a three-way trade.“

Wild need to convince Detroit, not Larkin

Dealing with a player signed through the 2030-31 NHL season and under a full NMC, the Wild know they must sell their pitch to the Red Wings, not Larkin. In fact, the center needs no further convincing. Larkin wants to move to Minnesota, and he’s made that clear.

However, as much leverage as he currently has, he can’t automatically trade himself to the Wild. He needs the Red Wings to accept an offer so he can waive his clause. That’s where things get tricky. Detroit wants NHL-ready talent in return for Larkin, and Minnesota can’t afford to lose key pieces of its puzzle.

At the end of the day, the Wild are eyeing their first Stanley Cup in franchise history, and giving up too much for Larkin could result in them taking steps backward rather than forward. The most realistic scenario, as things currently stand, appears to be a three-team trade. Still, help would come at a cost for Minnesota, and all eyes across the NHL are fixed on Quinn Hughes.

Speak of the Devils

Anything can happen in the NHL, and the conclusion may not be the most logical. If it were, however, the New Jersey Devils would make a lot of sense. Perhaps they could help out the Wild by providing the assets the Red Wings are after in exchange for Quinn Hughes. It would definitely be an eye for an eye, and then some.

Still, it could happen, especially if the trade for Larkin ends up being delayed until the trade deadline, or if Hughes tells Minnesota he doesn’t plan on re-signing before, during, or after the 2026-27 NHL season.

Faced with the prospect of losing Hughes to free agency in the summer of 2027, the Wild may pull off a wild move. Such desperation may lead the team in Twin Cities to make a pact with the Devils. Make no mistake, the team in Detroit may have wings, but they are no angels, either. Minnesota should keep that in mind when negotiating in the near future. Every organization in the NHL only looks after itself, and no one is a philanthropist.

When Larkin requested a trade out of Detroit after the 2025-26 NHL campaign, he handed Steve Yzerman and the front office a three-team trade list, with reports suggesting a fourth candidate may have been added in the Dallas Stars. However, since then, Yzerman is no longer the Red Wings‘ general manager, and two teams have apparently taken themselves out of the sweepstakes.

According to a report from Michael Russo of The Athletic during an appearance on The Sheet with Jeff Marek podcast, the Florida Panthers and Vegas Golden Knights have no interest in Larkin. That would mean two of the three—or perhaps four—teams Larkin is willing to waive his NMC for aren’t asking him to do so.

Where Panthers, Golden Knights, and Wild stand

The Cats won two Stanley Cups in the last three seasons and made it to three of the last four Stanley Cup Finals. Moreover, the Panthers have their core locked up for the long term, and adding another top-six center in Larkin would be a luxury rather than a necessity.

As for the Golden Knights, they have made it to two of the past four Stanley Cup Finals and won it once. They have more than enough talent to be confident in what they currently put on the ice and may not want to go through the trouble of negotiating with Detroit and its steep asking price.

Minnesota, on the other hand, may have no choice but to go all in on Larkin. Lacking a true top center all these years, the Wild can’t let this chance go to waste, especially when a great candidate actively wants to join them. Whether the Wild could put together an appealing offer is another question.

The Wild are still lurking around Larkin

Larkin’s original three-team trade list included the Florida Panthers, Vegas Golden Knights, and Minnesota Wild. Months after asking Detroit to trade him before the new NHL season, only the latter are showing interest.

However, Minnesota understands nothing can happen until Detroit finds its new general manager. Reports suggest the Red Wings are ready to hire their new GM, but until that actually happens, no one will pick up the phone on the Wild’s calls.

“The Wild still have interest,” Russo, who covers the Wild, reported. “So, [the Wild] have got to see who the [Red Wings’] GM is, and then if the Wild can make some sort of trade.”

Quinn Hughes is Wild’s secret agent

Having close ties with Larkin, Quinn Hughes spends much of his summer skating and practicing with the Michigan native in Ann Arbor, where the U.S. National Team Development Program has its headquarters.

Both Hughes and Larkin are products of the program and became even closer friends while playing for Team USA at the Olympics. (Hughes missed the 4 Nations Face-Off in 2025 due to injury.)

“The Wild are still really holding out hope for Larkin,” Russo stated. “Obviously, [Hughes] has a lot of inside information because he skates with Larkin on a daily basis in Ann Arbor. He knows Larkin’s preference would be to go to Minnesota, Vegas or Florida. But Florida and Vegas right now don’t have interest in him.”

Hughes and Larkin could help each other

Maybe Hughes can help Larkin find his way to the Land of 10,000 Lakes. Doing so would benefit the defenseman as well. Hughes has yet to sign an extension with the Wild, and there’s reason to believe he won’t put pen to paper unless he’s certain Minnesota is a contender for years to come.

The franchise finally landing a first-line center would go a long way. In more ways than one, Larkin and Hughes could help each other out, with the Wild being the biggest beneficiary.

Yzerman is no longer at the helm, yet Larkin is digging his heels in after asking out. However, with no team willing to match Detroit’s high asking price, the Red Wings face a major problem in trade talks. According to a report, the Red Wings’ best option is to make amends with their captain. How realistic that is, however, is another question.

“The best course still seems to be a reconciliation,” Helene St. James wrote on an article on Detroit Free Press about the Red Wings’ situation with Larkin. St. James also noted how cap-friendly Larkin’s contract is, and all signs point to retaining Larkin being much wiser than parting with the captain.

Larkin won’t budge, at least for now

Unfortunately for the Red Wings, their captain has made up his mind—or so it seems. Larkin is tired of missing the Stanley Cup Playoffs and signing up for déjà vu season after season. However, Larkin was also sick and tired of the direction the front office took and its approach to trade deadlines and free agency.

With Yzerman gone from his role as general manager and a new hire on deck, Detroit could take a significant step toward a peaceful solution with its upset star. That’s another reason why the Red Wings won’t trade Larkin until a new GM is in place.

That, and the fact that assistant GM Shawn Horcoff (currently handling day-to-day tasks) doesn’t have access to the red button that could complete the blockbuster trade ahead of the 2026-27 NHL campaign.

Red Wings may avoid trading Larkin

As long as Larkin is signed to a contract in Motor City, the Winged Wheel will keep at least one bit of hope. If no suitable offer comes through, the Wings will explore the options that are actually up to them, and it’s clear which is the best alternative.

If Larkin walks back his trade request, it would still take some time for him to rebuild his relationship with the devoted fan base, but that’s a problem for future Larkin.

For the time being, the Red Wings must take things one step at a time. Finding their next GM is paramount, as it will go a long way toward either making a truce with Larkin or burning that bridge to the ground.

The Red Wings are not simply looking for draft picks or prospects. They want NHL-ready talent that can help them remain competitive, and their biggest priority appears to be finding another first-line center to replace what Larkin would leave behind.

That demand could be creating a major roadblock. According to Helene St. James, the teams Larkin has identified as potential destinations are reluctant to surrender the type of player Detroit will want in return.

Why can’t the Red Wings trade Dylan Larkin?

St. James explained the central issue surrounding the negotiations. “The gist of the problem with trading Dylan Larkin is that the Red Wings need a first-line center in return, and Larkin’s selected teams aren’t willing to part with their own players who fit that bill.”

That could explain why Larkin remains in Detroit despite significant interest from other teams. The Panthers, Wild, Golden Knights and Stars have all been mentioned as potential suitors, but none of those teams would want to weaken their own roster by giving up an established first-line center.

For Detroit, however, simply receiving prospects or future draft capital may not be enough. The Red Wings have young stars such as Lucas Raymond and Moritz Seider and have reportedly been reluctant to send a signal that the franchise is entering a full rebuild.

Four teams interested, but trade remains complicated

The situation creates an unusual stalemate. The Red Wings have a player that several contenders want, but those same teams may not have the exact asset desired by Detroit.

Larkin’s selected destinations also have their own championship ambitions. The Florida Panthers, Minnesota Wild, Vegas Golden Knights and Dallas Stars would all be reluctant to surrender a proven top-line center because doing so could weaken their chances of winning the Stanley Cup.

That leaves Detroit with a difficult decision. The Red Wings could lower their asking price and accept a package built around prospects and draft picks, or they could continue waiting for a team to eventually make an offer that includes an NHL-ready center.

The arrival of a new general manager could ultimately determine which path Detroit chooses. Until the Red Wings complete their front-office search, Larkin’s trade request remains stuck in a complicated stalemate.

Larkin has reportedly a trade to a Stanley Cup contender, but the Red Wings have been unable to fully address the situation while their front office remains in transition. Steve Yzerman is no longer running hockey operations, while Shawn Horcoff is currently serving as the interim general manager.

That could finally change soon. According to Elliotte Friedman, the Red Wings are preparing to begin the initial interview process, potentially setting the stage for one of the most important decisions in the organization’s recent history.

When will the Red Wings begin their GM search?

Elliotte Friedman believes Detroit’s search could officially get underway next week, giving the franchise a clearer path toward finding Steve Yzerman’s replacement. “I do believe you’re gonna see their initial beginning interview process begin probably next week.”

Several names have already been linked to the position, including Kris Draper and Scott White. Horcoff could also remain in consideration after taking over on an interim basis.

The search has attracted significant attention because whoever gets the job will immediately inherit one of the biggest decisions in the franchise: determining what to do with Larkin.

New GM could decide Dylan Larkin’s future

The longer the Red Wings go without a permanent general manager, the longer Larkin’s trade situation remains in limbo. Four teams have reportedly expressed serious interest in the Red Wings captain, with the Florida Panthers, Minnesota Wild and Vegas Golden Knights among the teams Detroit has discussed Larkin with. Dallas Stars general manager Jim Nill has also reportedly been involved in discussions.

Those teams are now essentially waiting for the Red Wings to establish their new hockey leadership before taking the next step. A permanent GM would have the authority to evaluate trade proposals, determine what type of return the Red Wings want and ultimately decide whether moving Larkin is the right direction for the franchise.

Detroit reportedly will ask NHL-ready talent rather than simply draft picks and prospects, meaning the next GM will have a major role in determining whether Larkin remains in Detroit or becomes one of the NHL’s biggest trade acquisitions.

With the 2026-27 season approaching, the timing is becoming increasingly important. If Friedman is right and the interview process begins next week, the Red Wings could finally be moving toward the decision that will determine both their front-office future and Larkin’s.

The situation is particularly intriguing because the Red Wings are still searching for Steve Yzerman’s permanent replacement as general manager. Shawn Horcoff is currently serving in an interim role, but the organization could wait until September before finalizing the new front-office structure.

That uncertainty has not stopped teams from exploring the possibility of acquiring Larkin. According to Helene St. James, the Red Wings have already been in discussions with four potential suitors, giving Detroit multiple options if they ultimately decide to honor their captain’s trade request.

Which teams are interested in Dylan Larkin?

St. James reported that the Florida Panthers, Minnesota Wild and Vegas Golden Knights have all spoken with Detroit about Larkin. She also identified Dallas as another potential destination. “The Panthers, Wild and Golden Knights. The Wings have had discussions with those three teams, as well as Stars general manager Jim Nill.”

The list is significant because all four teams have legitimate championship ambitions. The Panthers are Stanley Cup contenders, the Wild have reportedly pursued Larkin aggressively, the Golden Knights routinely operate with a win-now mentality, and the Stars have the organizational depth to potentially construct a major trade package.

Red Wings have leverage in Dylan Larkin trade

Detroit’s biggest advantage is that they do not appear willing to move Larkin simply for draft picks and prospects. The Red Wings reportedly want NHL-ready players in return, allowing the franchise to remain competitive rather than immediately entering a rebuild.

That could make negotiations particularly complicated. Any team acquiring Larkin would need to offer enough immediate talent to convince Detroit’s new leadership that moving the captain is worthwhile.

The Red Wings also have to consider the message a trade would send to young stars such as Lucas Raymond and Moritz Seider. Accepting a package centered on future assets could suggest that they are changing direction.

For now, the four-team market gives the Red Wings options, but the biggest question remains when they will be ready to make a decision. With the GM search still unresolved, Larkin’s future could remain one of the NHL’s biggest offseason storylines right up until the start of the 2026-27 season.