Three Potential Trade Fits For Detroit Red Wings' Dylan Larkin

Detroit Red Wings center Dylan Larkin is now the NHL's top trade candidate.

Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reported on Thursday that Larkin has requested a trade from the Red Wings. Friedman noted that Larkin, agent Pat Brisson and Red Wings GM-executive vice-president would not comment, but multiple sources said Larkin made the request recently.

The 29-year-old had 34 goals and 33 assists for 67 points in 74 games this season. He's reached 70 points three times in his career.

With Larkin being a proven first-line center in his prime and locked up for the next five years at an $8.7-million cap hit, he will generate a ton of interest. These types of players don't hit the NHL's trade market often.

Top NHL Insider Reports Dylan Larkin Has Requested Trade From Red Wings

According to an explosive report from NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman, Dylan Larkin has requested to be moved from the Red Wings.

Minnesota Wild

The Wild's biggest need is a star center, so don't be surprised if they are among the top suitors for Larkin this summer. He would immediately be their best center if acquired and would be a major pickup for a Wild club that is in its Stanley Cup window.

Larkin also has a connection with Wild GM Bill Guerin, who picked him for Team USA's gold-medal-winning roster at the 2026 Olympics.

It is no secret that Guerin likes Larkin's play and likes to make big splashes, considering he acquired Quinn Hughes this season and re-signed Kirill Kaprizov to a record-breaking eight-year, $136-million contract.

The Wild are projected to have about $12.8 million in cap space, with eight pending UFAs and two pending RFAs. Hughes can also sign a contract extension as soon as July 1.

It will be difficult to bring on Larkin without clearing some cap space if Guerin wants to have Kaprizov, Hughes and Larkin on the team long-term. The Wild also traded some of their top youngsters to the Vancouver Canucks in the trade for Hughes. For those reasons, the Wild may have to make a bold hockey trade that involves current players if they are to convince Yzerman to make a move.

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This story was originally published June 4, 2026 at 2:10 PM.