NHL insider David Pagnotta dropped a revealing update regarding how rival general managers perceive the trade assets currently sitting on Detroit interim GM Shawn Horcoff’s table. “If they do trade Simon Edvinsson, it almost sounds like there’s more of a likelihood to get like a 1, 2 center in a deal for him than it is necessarily for Dylan Larkin.”

Pagnotta’s insight highlights a critical reality in today’s NHL trade market. At 23 years old, Edvinsson represents a towering, top-pair left-shot defenseman entering his physical prime. Contrasted with Larkin—who carries a 10-team no-trade list, an $8.7 million cap hit, and turns 31 next summer—rival front offices view Edvinsson as an elite franchise building block worth surrendering premium, young center talent to acquire.

Canadiens and Wild want a trade for Dylan Larkin

David Pagnotta’s report arrives as the market for both Detroit stars continues to intensify, with two premier franchises operating at the center of rumors:

• The Minnesota Wild’s Preferred Position: Minnesota remains widely viewed as the favorite to land Larkin. However, as insider Michael Russo reported, Wild GM Bill Guerin has resisted stripping his active NHL roster, offering a futures-heavy package instead. If Detroit demands a top-two center back, Minnesota would have to consider involving young core pieces to close a deal.
• The Montreal Canadiens Option: Montreal has surfaced as a fascinating player in trade discussions. According to Pagnotta and Pierre LeBrun, the Canadiens have an offer ready for Larkin, but the veteran has not yet approved Montreal on his trade list. However, if Montreal shifts focus or packages assets for Edvinsson—who carries no trade clause limitations—Kent Hughes possesses the deep pool of young centers and draft picks required to complete a blockbuster.

Why Edvinsson’s timeline creates immediate trade pressure

While Detroit maintains the flexibility to take its time with Larkin, the clock is ticking loudly on Edvinsson’s situation. Under NHL CBA rules, Edvinsson must be signed to an NHL contract by December 1 to be eligible to play for the remainder of the 2026-27 season.

With contract extension talks stalled over long-term salary demands and the December deadline approaching, Horcoff may be forced to act on Edvinsson first. Ironically, trading Edvinsson for an immediate top-two center could solve Detroit’s primary roster demand, making a subsequent futures-based trade for Larkin far easier to execute before the trade deadline.

Key takeaways

• David Pagnotta reports that trading defenseman Simon Edvinsson is more likely to net Detroit a top-two center than a deal for Dylan Larkin.
• Edvinsson’s upside at age 23 gives him massive trade leverage over veteran contracts across the league.
• Detroit faces an impending December 1 deadline to sign or trade Edvinsson, while Montreal and Minnesota remain active in the market

Long-time Detroit Free Press beat writer Helene St. James offered key insight into why a traditional one-on-one trade between Detroit and a contender continues to hit a wall. According to St. James, fulfilling Detroit’s steep demands will almost certainly require involving a third franchise to facilitate the movement of roster assets and cap space.

“In my opinion, I think it’s gonna end up taking a three. Another team has to be involved. They want value-now players in return. They basically need someone like Larkin in return.”

Why a three-team trade structure makes sense for Detroit

St. James’ analysis exposes the central paradox stalling negotiations across the league. While contenders targeting Larkin want to add his 30-goal, top-line center presence to bolster their playoff push, those same teams are unwilling—or unable—to subtract an equivalent top-six center from their active NHL roster.

For Detroit, trading away a premier first-line center for purely future-based assets (such as draft picks or unproven prospects) risks derailing their immediate competitiveness and extending a ten-year playoff drought.

By leveraging a third team, Horcoff could redirect draft capital received from a contender to a secondary club willing to part with an established, NHL-ready top-six center. Several factors make a three-team block crucial to resolving the impasse:

• Contenders’ Roster Retentiveness: Playoff contenders trading for Larkin are looking to stack depth, meaning they will not surrender their own top-line center to get him.
• Rebuilding Facilitators: A third team with cap space and rebuilding goals can absorb draft picks and future assets from the acquiring contender while shipping an established top-six center to Detroit.
• Cap Matching Flexibility: Facilitating teams can retain a portion of Larkin’s $8.7 million annual cap hit, making the finances manageable for contenders operating near the cap ceiling.

What’s next for Dylan Larkin?

Despite the ongoing speculation, Dylan Larkin continues to suit up for Detroit while maintaining a professional approach on the ice. However, with interim GM Shawn Horcoff holding firm on his requirement for immediate, high-impact roster talent, rival executives must get creative if they hope to land the veteran center before the trade deadline.

Unless a primary suitor agrees to part with an elite, young NHL center or a third team steps up to supply that piece, Detroit remains completely comfortable holding onto Larkin until an undeniable offer materializes.

Key takeaways

• Helene St. James believes trading Dylan Larkin will require a three-team trade framework to satisfy Detroit’s demands.
• Detroit insists on receiving an immediate “value-now” player—specifically a top-line center capable of replacing Larkin’s output.
• Contenders targeting Larkin are reluctant to strip their own roster of top-six center talent, necessitating a third team to bridge the gap.

That’s a common sentiment around the league. The Habs appear to hold the golden ticket. They have the assets to convince the Red Wings and need to address their top six if they want to truly compete for the Stanley Cup in a contender-filled Atlantic Division. All they’re missing is a green light from Larkin—a tiny detail.

If all that’s missing is Larkin’s signature, however, the Canadiens might be wise to negotiate with the Red Wings, and have an offer ready to show Larkin and get him to accept if he ever grows sick and tired of waiting around.

“Montreal is not on [Larkin’s] list of 10 and here’s my theory, it almost has to be reverse engineered. Montreal is going to have to call Detroit and say they want to make a deal for Larkin, but you have to agree. Montreal and Detroit would have to agree on a trade, and then Detroit would have to go to Larkin,” Elliotte Friedman suggested on the 32 Thoughts podcast.

Larkin prefers to stay in U.S. market

Even when little was known about Larkin’s preferred destinations, it was always clear that he didn’t want to join a Canadian market. His trade lists so far have only reinforced that, as Larkin has left all seven Canadian teams off them. Those poised to compete for the long haul or those destined for the basement—it made little difference: Larkin didn’t include a single one of them.

However, many insiders around the league believe Larkin’s mind can be changed regarding a move to Montreal, especially if the dramatic trade saga keeps dragging on throughout the 2026-27 NHL campaign.

“You’re starting to hear more talk about Montreal. The Canadiens I believe have got to a point where they have a good understanding of what the trade would have to be. It’s really a matter of does Larkin get tired of waiting,” Chris Johnston said on the Nielson Show.

Others, however, believe moving to Canada is where Larkin draws the line and that there’s no way he’ll change his mind, but time will tell. That’s just what the Red Wings have in abundance: time.

Red Wings are in no rush to trade Larkin

With no urgency to trade Larkin and the forward signed through 2031, Detroit can let this drag on for as long as necessary, waiting until the right offer lands on its desk and Larkin signs off on a trade. Who knows when that will happen? At this point, it’s even reasonable to wonder whether it ever will.

Larkin doesn’t have much time, though his patience so far has surprised many. It might eventually reach a point where he waives his no-trade clause just for the sake of leaving Detroit. If Larkin ever finds himself in a position where he’s willing to accept the first offer that buys him an exit from Motor City, it feels much more likely to be a one-way ticket to a team in the U.S. But, again, who knows?

Larkin’s trade remains an enigma

It’s all so uncertain. Anything can happen, even the impossible. For the time being, it seems anything can happen, but nothing actually will. Both Larkin and the Red Wings remain firm in their tug-of-war, and neither is moving an inch. As a result, Larkin isn’t going anywhere, at least for now, and remains a Red Wing.

He’s already played 10 games in the 2026-27 NHL season, and it might make little difference if he plays a couple dozen more. Maybe things will actually ramp up closer to the trade deadline. Until then, the Habs might need to keep working closely with the Red Wings, plotting the perfect offer—one that, once finalized, can be presented to Larkin in the hope that he’ll simply nod in agreement.

Key takeaways

• Elliotte Friedman suggested Montreal reverse-engineer a Dylan Larkin trade with the Detroit Red Wings.
• Larkin excluded all seven Canadian teams from his preferred NHL trade destinations.
• Larkin remains under contract through 2031 with Detroit, removing immediate urgency for a trade.

According to NHL insider Elliotte Friedman, the Red Wings’ front office has ramped up the urgency regarding trade talks for both Larkin and star young defenseman Simon Edvinsson. “I think the Red Wings are really starting to get more serious about trading those guys.”

Friedman’s report underlines a key development in the team’s strategy: The Red Wings are no longer just listening passively to inquiries. Instead, Horcoff is actively calling rival front offices and targeting top-tier young centers and elite prospects—both at the NHL level and within deep farm systems—as the primary foundation for any blockbuster trade.

What’s Dylan Larkin’s team list for a trade?

The market for Larkin has widened significantly since his initial trade request. The 30-year-old center expanded his approved no-trade destination list from three teams to 10 U.S.-based contenders, providing Detroit with broader market leverage. Recent developments have reshaped his list of suitors:

• The New Jersey Devils Push: Following their blockbuster move for goaltender Connor Hellebuyck, New Jersey was officially added to Larkin’s preferred destinations, creating a tantalizing potential fit alongside Jack Hughes and Nico Hischier.
• Contenders on the Prowl: High-profile suitors such as the Minnesota Wild, Carolina Hurricanes, Colorado Avalanche, and Dallas Stars remain actively connected to Larkin’s market.
• Other teams om the list: Florida Panthers, Tampa Bay Lightning, Utah Mammoth, Golden Knights and Washington Capitals.
• Dark-Horse Wildcard: Multiple insider reports have suggested that an ambitious franchise outside Larkin’s current 10-team list could make a massive splash, potentially convincing the veteran to waive his full no-trade clause if an undeniable championship window presents itself.

Why are the Red Wings waiting to trade Dylan Larkin?

While rumors continue to heat up regarding a dual resolution involving Larkin and Edvinsson, Detroit’s front office maintains total control over the timeline. Edvinsson’s unsigned RFA status and Larkin’s long-term contract structure give Horcoff the flexibility to hold out until a rival general manager meets Detroit’s steep asking price.

Despite getting “more serious” about negotiations, Detroit has already turned down multiple “fair” and futures-heavy offers from contenders like Minnesota and Boston because the packages lacked an immediate, marquee top-six center or elite franchise pillar.

Until a desperate suitor steps forward with a true “home run” offer that satisfies Detroit’s long-term re-tooling vision, Horcoff will keep the phone lines open while letting the league’s top trade targets wait.

Key takeaways

• Elliotte Friedman reports Detroit is getting “more serious” about trading both Dylan Larkin and Simon Edvinsson.
• Larkin’s approved trade list includes 10 teams with reports hinting a dark-horse contender outside the list could also make a push. The New Jersey Devils could be added to that list.
• Interim GM Shawn Horcoff refuses to rush a trade, holding out until a rival team delivers an undeniable return centered on elite young talent.

However, before the situation could be blown out of proportion, a report out of Detroit put an end to the speculation, confirming that Larkin’s absence wasn’t related to a roster move and didn’t pave the way for a trade to finally happen.

“Just a maintenance day for Larkin,” Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press reported on her X account. Considering Larkin recently turned 30 and NHL veterans often get such rest days, his taking a day off from practice isn’t news and doesn’t indicate that a trade is imminent.

Larkin trade is more unlikely with every passing day

Maybe a trade happens, but it won’t be because Larkin missed the team’s practice ahead of the home game against the Chicago Blackhawks. Still, based on the buzz surrounding Larkin and Detroit, it seems the former captain’s trade is now less likely than it was when Larkin’s trade list included only three teams.

Some insiders around the league believe the current 10-team trade list submitted by Larkin isn’t enough. The biggest question marks are teams like the Montreal Canadiens and Boston Bruins, which may actually have the assets to put together an offer Detroit would accept. The issue remains, however: unless Larkin waives his no-trade clause, he won’t go anywhere.

Both Larkin and Red Wings play a role

Just as the Red Wings’ desire to receive an immediate, NHL-ready replacement for Larkin is pricing out potential suitors, Larkin’s firm stance on his future destinations has also led to the trade talks stalling. In that sense, both sides are to blame. Detroit for being a bit more petty than reasonable, and Larkin for being fixated on joining a contender in a place where he likes the surroundings, rather than simply wanting out of Detroit.

Both deserve to be blamed for that, but they’re also well within their rights to take those positions. With neither the club nor the player willing to give an inch, it feels unlikely that a trade will happen anytime soon.

Larkin may miss several more practices moving forward due to maintenance days. Fans may prick up their ears, wondering whether a trade is about to happen, but it will likely lead everyone back to square one. It’s all fun and games for a while, but eventually, Groundhog Day loses its magic. It makes one wonder what exactly each side is getting out of the conflict, and if there even is a winner in all of this drama.

Key takeaways

• Dylan Larkin missed Detroit Red Wings practice on Wednesday, fueling trade speculation.
• Helene St. James reported a maintenance day for Dylan Larkin rather than a roster move.
• Dylan Larkin’s 10-team trade list and no-trade clause currently stall potential Detroit Red Wings deals.

Just like the Minnesota Wild’s trade offer to Detroit might be missing some pieces and that complicates their odds, every team in the NHL may face the same fate dealing with the Red Wings. Detroit wants an immediate replacement for Larkin.

Whether any team can actually give up what the Wings are asking for, however, is a different question. And one that may drive Larkin and company down a painful shaggy-dog story ending.

“I do think that they kind of want like a 21, 22 year old Larkin for a 30 year old Larkin and I just don’t know if that’s going to happen right now,” Wild insider Michael Russo reported on NHL Tonight.

The longer this goes…

Make no mistake, the Red Wings are in no rush to make a deal and send Larkin off to his next destination. The former captain is signed for the next four and a half seasons, and even without a smile on his face, he can still produce and play like the top-six center Detroit needs him to be.

However, the Wings are also aware of the burden Larkin’s trade buzz places on the locker room. It’s not an easy situation for the rest of the players to deal with, and it’s not fair to them to be caught in the crossfire, either.

At some point, it can send the wrong message to the team, especially if the players get the sense that Detroit is holding on to Larkin out of pettiness rather than strategy. Still, until the Red Wings come across an offer worth their while, they have every right to keep Larkin in Motor City.

Red Wings walk a thin line

Moreover, as much as upset fans may enjoy seeing Larkin in the virtual penitentiary Little Caesars Arena has become for the gold medalist, his teammates may see it as a warning of what could happen to them if they ever want out. It’s a bold strategy on Detroit’s part.

The Wings are carrying a big stick and no longer speaking softly. The locker room will surely take notice, but whether that’s a positive or a negative remains to be seen.

All in all, one conclusion can be drawn: the longer the Larkin saga drags on, the higher the stakes will get. With the position the Red Wings are in, it may not be the best of bets, but they may have nothing to lose, either.

Key takeaways

• Detroit demands an immediate replacement for Dylan Larkin before agreeing to any potential NHL trade.
• Michael Russo reported Detroit’s asking price for Larkin may not be met.
• Dylan Larkin is under contract with the Detroit Red Wings for four and a half seasons.

If it were up to Larkin, he would’ve been in Minnesota the day after he knocked on Steve Yzerman’s door and requested a trade out of Detroit. However, as much as it’s Larkin’s call to waive his no-trade clause, the Red Wings won’t ship their top-six center for peanuts.

The Wild will have to get to work to pull off the trade, and it might still not be enough. However, one report from around the NHL suggests it will happen one way or another, and Larkin will be headed to the Twin Cities.

“There’s still a feeling out there that Minnesota’s going to find a way to get it done,” insider Chris Johnston reported during an appearance on The Nielson Show.

Larkin trade drama could become distraction

It was always expected to be the case, but Todd McLellan made it clear by crediting the Red Wings while throwing Larkin under the bus for putting Detroit’s locker room in the eye of the storm.

However, the trade drama surrounding Larkin isn’t limited to the Red Wings; it also affects the teams circling the top-six center. For Minnesota, it’s a dangerous cocktail.

The Wild may have enough on their plate dealing with Quinn Hughes, who has yet to sign an extension and is raising eyebrows all across the NHL. Adding Larkin’s noise could be a double-edged sword for the franchise.

Where Larkin goes, Hughes could go next

Moreover, there is plenty of speculation that Larkin could determine Hughes’ future. If the Wild feed into that speculation by going after Larkin but come up short, they might just dig themselves into a hole and send the wrong signal to their elite blueliner, who will become a free agent next summer.

The stakes are simply too high for Minnesota. Fully committing to the Larkin sweepstakes might put the Wild in a true do-or-die situation, but it seems too late for them to back down now. They need a top centerman, and their championship window depends on it.

However, that window also hinges on Hughes re-signing, and one may not move forward without the other. To say Bill Guerin and his team are in a pickle would be an understatement.

Key takeaways

• Dylan Larkin requested a trade out of Detroit from Steve Yzerman.
• Chris Johnston reported a feeling that the Minnesota Wild will land Dylan Larkin.
• Quinn Hughes is set to become a free agent next summer amid delaying Minnesota Wild extension.

Russo confirmed that while Minnesota remains actively engaged in discussions, their current trade pitch centers heavily around future assets—a strategy Detroit’s front office has been reluctant to accept.

“I believe the Wild’s trade offer for Dylan Larkin is futures-based. A really good young player in the organization, maybe a roster player or two that make significant dollars, multiple (1sts). I don’t think Horcoff has been overly enticed.”

Are Dylan Larkin trade rumors real?

Yes. They’re real. However, the asking price is the problem. Despite Minnesota’s willingness to dangle multiple first-round selections and premium prospects, Shawn Horcoff’s mandate in Hockeytown has not changed.

Detroit’s front office continues to demand a “home run” return that delivers immediate, NHL-ready top-six impact rather than a delayed rebuilding package. Several factors explain why Horcoff remains unenticed by Minnesota’s current offer:

• Preference for Immediate Roster Talent: The Red Wings are seeking established, young top-six talent capable of filling Larkin’s void immediately, rather than waiting for draft picks or young prospects to develop.
• Reluctance on Core Roster Swaps: Minnesota has shown little appetite for parting with established core players, opting instead to build their offer around future draft assets and mid-tier roster salary dumps.
• Leverage Strategy: With Larkin under contract through 2031, Horcoff maintains the leverage to hold out until a contender yields to Detroit’s steep asking price.

Will Minnesota adjust its offer to close Larkin trade?

With Minnesota sitting near the top of the Central Division standings and searching for an elite top-line center, pressure continues to mount on Bill Guerin to finalize a deal.

While recent reports indicate Detroit executives have been actively scouting Wild games, bridging the gap between a futures-heavy package and Detroit’s demand for immediate roster help may require Guerin to include top-tier talent like Danila Yurov or involve a third team to facilitate the trade.

Until Minnesota or another rival suitor upgrades its package to meet Horcoff’s strict standards, the trade market for Dylan Larkin will remain firmly at an impasse.

Key takeaways

• Insider Michael Russo reveals Minnesota’s offer for Dylan Larkin is built around futures, including top prospects, salary-matching roster players, and multiple first-round picks.
• Detroit interim GM Shawn Horcoff remains unenticed by a futures-heavy deal, holding out for immediate top-six NHL talent.
• Negotiations remain stuck unless Minnesota includes premier roster players or restructures the trade package.

In case Larkin needed reminding, McLellan’s latest statement was a clear shot at his trade request and the situation it has exposed within the franchise. Addressing the Red Wings’ start to the 2026-27 NHL campaign, McLellan didn’t mince words about the trade drama surrounding the former captain.

Even though a recent report stopped the growing buzz in its tracks, Larkin’s trade request remains a distraction, though one McLellan believes his team is doing a great job of weathering.

“The group’s been really, considering all the (expletive) we’ve gone through, it’s been pretty resilient,” McLellan stated, via Detroit Free Press. “It’s been well-connected. There’s a lot of stickiness to it. It’s a good thing for us.”

Larkin trade rumors

After months of speculation, Larkin finally expanded his trade list to 10 teams during the 2026-27 NHL season. Even though he didn’t include them on his list, the Montreal Canadiens are reportedly pushing to acquire Larkin, and reports around the league suggest the Red Wings’ former captain is just as likely to be traded to a team outside his list as to one of the 10 teams he included.

“My hunch is that he ultimately is traded to a team that isn’t currently on that list of 10 teams,” insider Chris Johnston reported on The Hockey PDOcast.

Anything can happen with Larkin

As reported, Larkin’s current trade list includes the Florida Panthers, Minnesota Wild, Vegas Golden Knights, Dallas Stars, Tampa Bay Lightning, Carolina Hurricanes, Colorado Avalanche, New Jersey Devils, Utah Mammoth, and Washington Capitals.

However, if the trade keeps getting delayed—and Detroit has no reason to rush—teams currently on the outside looking in could become suitors overnight. That includes the likes of the Habs, Boston Bruins, and San Jose Sharks, among others, as they could all prove to be playoff contenders in the 2026-27 NHL season and thus appeal to Larkin.

The Canadiens would have some extra convincing to do, as it’s improbable that Larkin would accept a trade outside the United States. However, anything can happen. And if Larkin truly wants to leave Motor City, he might even accept a move north of the border.

Key takeaways

• Todd McLellan addressed Dylan Larkin’s trade request and praised the Detroit Red Wings’ resilience.
• Dylan Larkin expanded his trade list to 10 teams during the 2026-27 NHL season.
• The Montreal Canadiens are pushing to acquire Dylan Larkin despite missing his approved list.

According to NHL insider Nick Kypreos, the impasse stems entirely from Detroit’s uncompromising valuation of their star center. “Shawn Horcoff’s mandate is to hit a Dylan Larkin trade out of the park, and that’s not happening. I’m told if Detroit wants to make a fair deal, it can turn to three or four teams. So far, ‘fair’ has not been good enough.”

Kypreos’ report highlights the fundamental gap that has stalled trade talks since the offseason. While rival general managers view their current offers as equitable market value for a top-six center carrying an $8.7 million salary-cap hit, the Red Wings refuse to treat Larkin as a discounted asset. For interim GM Shawn Horcoff and team leadership, accepting a standard or “fair” package is simply off the table.

Why the Red Wings haven’t traded Dylan Larkin

Since Larkin first requested a trade, Detroit’s front office stance has remained unyielding. Rather than settling for futures, late draft picks, or salary dumps, the organization has insisted on securing an immediate, marquee franchise pillar in return—such as Minnesota Wild forward Matt Boldy—to justify trading away their former captain.

This uncompromising strategy presents significant hurdles for interested suitors. Detroit is seeking immediate top-six NHL roster talent capable of anchoring the team today, rather than a futures-based rebuild package.

Even with Larkin expanding his approved trade list to 10 U.S. teams, few contenders possess both the cap space and the willingness to part with an elite core player mid-season. With Larkin under contract through 2031, Detroit feels no immediate financial pressure to rush into a sub-optimal trade.

What happens next in the Dylan Larkin trade saga?

As long as Horcoff’s mandate requires a true “home run” package, the trade market for Larkin will remain tightly restricted. Interested contenders like the Minnesota Wild, Carolina Hurricanes, or Colorado Avalanche face a stark choice: either upgrade their trade packages to meet Detroit’s astronomical demands or wait for Hockeytown’s front office to soften its stance.

Until a desperate contender steps forward with an undeniable blockbuster offer, Larkin remains a Red Wing—and Detroit appears content to let the market wait. It’s the biggest story ahead of the trade deadline.

Key takeaways

• Interim GM Shawn Horcoff is under strict orders to secure an elite, “home run” return for Dylan Larkin.
• Detroit has received 3 to 4 “fair” offers from rival teams but has rejected them all, maintaining that standard market value is insufficient.
• Since Larkin’s trade request months ago, Detroit’s refusal to lower its asking price has kept trade negotiations firmly at a standstill.

According to veteran hockey insider Jeff Marek, Larkin has officially expanded his approved trade destinations to include the surging Metropolitan Division contender. “The expanded Dylan Larkin list has New Jersey on it now.”

The addition of New Jersey to Larkin’s preferences comes on the heels of the Hellebuyck trade, a move that signaled to stars across the league that the Devils are willing to leverage future draft capital and elite young talent to win immediately. Furthermore, landing Larkin would give New Jersey incredible center depth alongside Jack Hughes and Nico Hischier, while potentially serving as a massive lure for offseason target Quinn Hughes.

Will the Devils trade for Dylan Larkin?

It’s complicated. While the prospect of pairing Larkin with New Jersey’s explosive forward group has energized the fanbase, executing a second blockbuster trade in the span of a single week poses immense logistical challenges.

Speaking on the same hypothesis, insider David Pagnotta confirmed New Jersey’s interest but highlighted a critical roadblock in negotiations with Detroit interim GM Shawn Horcoff.

“Yeah, and I asked a couple people about that,” Pagnotta noted regarding New Jersey’s capability to pull off back-to-back megadeals. “I don’t think they have the assets they’re willing to move to make that happen.”

Pagnotta’s warning stems from what New Jersey already surrendered to Winnipeg to land Hellebuyck. By shipping out versatile top-six forward Dawson Mercer, 2026 No. 12 overall pick Alexander Command, young goaltender Nico Daws, and future draft picks, New Jersey depleted a significant portion of its primary trade chip inventory.

What do Red Wings want to trade Dylan Larkin?

Detroit’s asking price for their star center remains notoriously steep. Reports indicate the Red Wings are seeking two top-tier prospects, a young NHL-ready forward capable of stepping into their top six immediately, and high-round draft capital.

• Depleted Asset Pool: Having already traded Dawson Mercer and Alexander Command, New Jersey’s pool of elite, instantly tradeable top-six forwards has shrunk considerably.
• Salary Cap Realities: Larkin’s $8.7 million average annual value requires meticulous cap clearing, especially after absorbing Hellebuyck’s contract extension.
• Competing Bidders: Rivals like the Minnesota Wild, Carolina Hurricanes, and Colorado Avalanche remain actively engaged on Larkin and retain more flexible asset packages to offer Detroit.

While Fitzgerald’s willingness to make bold moves has transformed the Devils into an elite Eastern Conference power overnight, landing Dylan Larkin will require creative roster maneuvering if New Jersey hopes to overcome their current asset deficit.

Key takeaways

• Jeff Marek reports Dylan Larkin has added the New Jersey Devils to his expanded 10-team trade list following the Hellebuyck trade.
• Insider David Pagnotta notes that while New Jersey is interested, they likely lack the tradeable assets Detroit requires after surrendering a massive package for Hellebuyck.
• Detroit continues to demand top-tier prospects, immediate top-six NHL talent, and premium draft picks to part with their former captain.