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.

According to Michael Russo, the Wild have already made their interest known and remain hopeful that they can acquire Larkin once the Red Wings finally appoint a new general manager. The Wild appear willing to wait, understanding that the biggest obstacle right now is not their interest in the player, but the uncertainty surrounding Detroit’s front office.

Larkin’s trade request has created a complicated situation for the Red Wings. Detroit recently moved on from Steve Yzerman, leaving Shawn Horcoff in an interim role while the organization searches for a permanent replacement. Until that process is completed, major decisions surrounding Larkin’s future could remain on hold.

Will Red Wings trade Dylan Larkin to Wild?

It’s a very interesting situation. Russo provided a clear update on Minnesota’s position, confirming that the Wild have already pursued Larkin and are still hoping to make a deal happen. “The Wild have gone after Dylan Larkin. They hope to still get Larkin once Detroit hires a general manager.”

That keeps Minnesota firmly in the conversation for one of the NHL’s most sought-after trade targets. Larkin would give the Wild another proven star and a major boost to a team trying to become a legitimate Stanley Cup contender.

The Wild’s willingness to wait could ultimately become important. If the Red Wings decide that moving Larkin is unavoidable, Minnesota could already be positioned to make a serious offer.

When will Red Wings hire a new GM?

The biggest question is how long Detroit’s search will take. The Red Wings have reportedly indicated that they are not rushing the process, with the search potentially extending into September. That creates an unusual situation with the 2026-27 NHL season scheduled to begin on September 29.

Horcoff can oversee the organization in the interim, but his authority is not necessarily comparable to that of the permanent general manager Detroit will ultimately choose. That could make a major Larkin trade difficult to execute until the front-office structure is settled.

For now, the Red Wings remain without a permanent GM and do not appear to be in a hurry to change that. As a result, Minnesota and the other teams interested in Larkin may simply have to wait.

The Wild, at least, appear prepared to do exactly that. Their pursuit of Larkin is still alive, but the next major move may depend entirely on who takes control of Detroit’s hockey operations.

Larkin has reportedly requested a trade to a Stanley Cup contender, putting Detroit in a difficult position as the organization searches for Yzerman’s replacement.

The Red Wings have made it clear that any potential deal would need to bring back NHL-ready talent, making a trade far more complicated than simply collecting prospects and draft picks.

Could Dylan Larkin stay with the Red Wings?

Jeff Marek suggested that Larkin’s future with the Detroit Red Wings is not completely settled, particularly with new people potentially entering the organization and changing the direction of the franchise.

“Never say never, and egos massaged and new people can come in, and change things. I was just told that it would be difficult, not to sort of take this to its logical conclusion.”

The comments leave some room for optimism that Detroit could eventually convince Larkin to reconsider his trade request. A new general manager could bring a different vision, while changes throughout the organization could help repair a relationship that appeared to be heading toward an inevitable breakup.

Red Wings face a crucial decision on Larkin

The problem for Detroit is that time is becoming an important factor. Larkin reportedly wants to join a legitimate Stanley Cup contender, with teams such as the Minnesota Wild, Vegas Golden Knights and Florida Panthers among the potential destinations.

If the Red Wings hire a general manager who can convince Larkin that the organization is ready to compete immediately, the captain’s position could potentially change. But if the new leadership confirms that they need to take a different direction, trading Larkin could become increasingly difficult to avoid.

For now, the message from Marek is essentially that nothing should be considered impossible. Yzerman’s departure has changed the equation, and the Red Wings still have an opportunity to influence what happens next.

Larkin has reportedly asked Detroit to explore a trade to a Stanley Cup contender, with teams such as the Minnesota Wild, Vegas Golden Knights and Florida Panthers among the potential destinations. However, the Red Wings are not expected to move their star center simply for future assets.

That makes the situation even more complicated after Detroit removed Steve Yzerman from the general manager position. Shawn Horcoff is currently handling the front office on an interim basis, while the Red Wings continues their search for a permanent replacement.

What do the Red Wings want in a Dylan Larkin trade?

According to Helene St. James, Detroit’s priority is clear: the Red Wings want established NHL players who can contribute right away rather than draft picks or prospects.

“The Red Wings really want value-now players in return, not draft picks or prospects. To accept the latter would be sending a signal to Lucas Raymond and Moritz Seider that the Wings are in rebuild mode.”

That approach effectively puts a significant price on Larkin. The Red Wings may be willing to consider trading their captain, but the front office wants to remain competitive after the deal rather than begin a complete rebuild.

Larkin trade puts Red Wings at a crossroads

The timing of the trade request makes the situation particularly intriguing. Larkin remains one of the most important players in Detroit, and moving him for prospects would give the franchise valuable future assets.

However, it could also send a powerful message to young stars such as Lucas Raymond and Moritz Seider that the organization is changing direction. That is something Detroit clearly wants to avoid.

The uncertainty surrounding the front office also makes the situation harder to predict. Horcoff has limited time to make a franchise-defining decision while the Red Wings search for Yzerman’s permanent replacement.

For now, Larkin appears determined to find a path to a contender, but Detroit will not make that path easy. If the Red Wings eventually trade their captain, they want the return to keep them competitive immediately.

“The Red Wings and Wild previously talked without finding common ground. The Red Wings aren’t enamored with the younger players the Wild are willing to give up,” as reported by Kevin Allen on Detroit Hockey Now.

Although the Red Wings have put Larkin’s trade on hold for the time being and are focused on their search for a new general manager, they have made their asking price clear.

Red Wings’ asking price for Larkin

While draft selections would come in handy, what Detroit is really after are NHL-ready players who can replace Larkin and replicate his production. The Winged Wheel has little interest in acquiring prospects who are still wet behind the ears. At least that was the plan before Steve Yzerman stepped down from his role as GM.

As things stand, Minnesota lacks the type of assets that would convince Detroit to green-light a deal. At least for the time being, there’s no chance the Wild part with any of Matt Boldy, Brock Faber, or Quinn Hughes.

However, given enough time, much could change. The fact that reports suggest Larkin could start the season with the Red Wings might actually be a good sign for a potential blockbuster trade.

Potential deadline trade between three teams

The Wild have made it clear they want—and hope—to re-sign Hughes as soon as possible. However, the delay in reaching an extension has created uncertainty. If the eldest of the three Hughes brothers enters the 2026-27 NHL season without a new deal, speculation will only intensify.

Minnesota’s need for a top-six center isn’t going away, and it could all lead to a blockbuster three-team trade involving the Red Wings, Wild, and New Jersey Devils. The organization in Newark knows that if Quinn Hughes reaches unrestricted free agency next summer, he’ll most likely be waiting for the Devils’ call.

However, there’s no guarantee he’ll make it that far. Minnesota will do everything it can to convince Hughes to stay, but if all else fails, the Wild could trade him before the deadline. Hughes’ expiring contract doesn’t include any form of trade protection, meaning Minnesota is free to shop him.

Such a trade will take time

All in all, every moving piece of this intriguing puzzle could fall into place and produce a three-team trade unlike anything the league has seen before. Larkin could still end up in Minnesota before the trade deadline. Quinn Hughes could reunite with his brothers at the Prudential Center, and the Red Wings could walk away with NHL-ready talent from both the Wild and the Devils.

It’s an extremely complicated scenario that hinges on far too many factors. Still, it may be the perfect storm. All it would take is patience. And even though Larkin wants to leave Detroit, he may be willing to wait a little longer. After all, the 30-year-old center must measure twice and cut once—and so must the Red Wings.

A move has yet to be made, and reports hint Larkin could start the 2026-27 NHL season in Detroit. Regardless, the captain reportedly isn’t backing down. Even though the Red Wings have put trade talks involving Larkin on hold, the 30-year-old center remains determined to be traded.

“Dylan Larkin has not budged on the request to be traded that he made shortly after the season ended,” Helene St. James reported on an article on Detroit Free Press. The ball is in the Red Wings‘ court, but they have no urgency to figure out a trade. At least, not as long as they are still searching for a new general manager to take over after Steve Yzerman.

Larkin’s trade rumors dwindle

Deep in the NHL offseason and with a very limited list of potential destinations, it’s only natural for the trade buzz surrounding Larkin to quiet down. That doesn’t mean he’s changed his mind, that the Red Wings have convinced him to stay, or anything of the sort.

The fact Detroit’s front office is undergoing significant changes doesn’t help, either. It’s difficult for teams to call Motor City when it’s unclear who will pick it up, and whether it is authorized to discuss potential trades.

As a result, and because the 2026-27 NHL season still feels a long way off, franchises are under no urgency to work out a deal. Larkin may be the only one feeling anxious, as he’d likely prefer to know where he’ll be playing as soon as possible.

Larkin holds the cards to his future

Regardless, he holds the upper hand with his no-movement clause (NMC), which essentially allows him to choose his next destination. If a team on his trade list makes an offer Detroit can accept, it will be up to the center to waive his no-movement clause and head to the airport.

A few months ago, when the trade request first became public, many thought Larkin would be wise to have his bags packed. Now, he might as well unpack—if he ever packed his things in the first place—and wait patiently.

His departure from Detroit has taken longer than expected, and it may take even longer. One thing appears clear, however: Larkin will leave Motor City sooner or later.

Larkin’s stats in Detroit

Ever since he was selected with the 15th overall pick in the 2014 NHL Draft, Larkin has been a cornerstone of the Red Wings. He was a fan favorite right up until he requested a trade, leaving the organization in a difficult position.

Still, his impact is undeniable—even if he helped the team reach the postseason only once. Through 808 games, Larkin has recorded 276 goals and 367 assists for a total of 643 points. Surprisingly, he owns a plus/minus of -100 during his time in Detroit.