Dylan Larkin has submitted a trade request to the Detroit Red Wings, and with his no-trade clause, he’s given general manager Steve Yzerman a limited list of destinations: the Vegas Golden Knights, Florida Panthers, and Minnesota Wild. The move puts Larkin in control of his future and sets the stage for a potential blockbuster deal as three of the NHL’s most aggressive organizations prepare to negotiate.
Larkin, 29, is coming off a season in which he recorded 68 points (23 goals, 45 assists) in 82 games, maintaining his role as one of the league’s top two-way centers. With a cap hit of $8.75 million through 2027, the Red Wings will be looking for a return that justifies that salary. Yzerman, known for his shrewd trade acumen, now has the challenge of navigating a bidding war led by three GMs who aren’t afraid to overpay for impact players.
Larkin’s list includes the Golden Knights, who won the Stanley Cup in 2023, the Panthers, who reached the Final in 2024, and the Wild, who remain a consistent playoff contender. All three teams have the cap space and leadership to make a serious run for the American-born star. According to Helene St. James via the Detroit Free Press, Larkin’s inclusion of these teams gives Yzerman more leverage than in the recent Artemi Panarin trade, where the New York Rangers forced a deal with the Kings that left some fans and analysts unsatisfied with the return.
The Wild, led by GM Bill Zito, are a natural fit for Larkin. They already feature a deep core with Quinn Hughes, Kirill Kaprizov, and Brock Faber, and adding Larkin would bolster their top-six depth. The Panthers, under Kelly McCrimmon, could use Larkin to complement Matthew Tkachuk and Aleksander Barkov on the second line. Meanwhile, the Golden Knights, managed by Bill Guerin, could slot Larkin alongside Jack Eichel and use his leadership to help balance their top-heavy roster.
Each team brings a unique value to the table. The Wild have high-end prospects and draft picks, the Panthers have cap flexibility and a Stanley Cup pedigree, and the Golden Knights have the depth and experience to handle a high-profile addition.
What comes next is the negotiation phase. With the free agency window just days away, the Red Wings are expected to meet with each of the three teams and assess offers. The final decision could come as early as Thursday, June 12.
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