3 Teams on Dylan Larkin’s Trade List
Detroit Red Wings forward Dylan Larkin has reportedly expressed a desire to be traded, narrowing his potential destinations to the Florida Panthers, the Vegas Golden Knights, and the Minnesota Wild. The 29-year-old center, who turns 30 on July 30, is currently under contract through 2031 with an $8.7 million annual cap hit and holds a full no-trade clause for the next two seasons.
Despite playing 11 seasons with the Detroit Red Wings, Dylan Larkin has appeared in only five career postseason games, all of which occurred during his rookie campaign in the 2015-16 season.
The Current Landscape for Larkin
While early speculation suggested nearly half the NHL might inquire about the Waterford, Michigan native, the list of preferred destinations remains short. Larkin is coming off a 2025-26 season where he recorded 67 points in 74 games with a +3 rating. His current contract, which carries him until age 34, complicates potential moves due to his no-trade protection, which eventually transitions into a 10-team trade list in three years.
The trade requests highlight a clear tension between a veteran player’s desire for postseason success and a franchise currently mired in a ten-year playoff drought. For teams like Florida, Vegas, or Minnesota, acquiring Larkin is a high-stakes move that requires balancing immediate roster upgrades against long-term salary cap health and prospect depth.
Potential Landing Spots and Trade Packages
Each of the three teams presents a unique situational fit. The Florida Panthers, coming off a season where they finished seventh in the Atlantic, hold the ninth overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft. That selection, combined with younger roster players like Eetu Luostarinen, Anton Lundell, or the rights to Mackie Samoskevich, could serve as a foundation for a deal.
The Vegas Golden Knights, known for aggressive roster building, face significant salary cap constraints. With little over $4 million in space, any acquisition would likely require Detroit to take back existing contracts. The Wild, meanwhile, offer a deep pool of prospects and draft capital. A potential arrangement could involve a goaltending swap, with Minnesota potentially leveraging Filip Gustavsson or Jesper Wallstedt to acquire Detroit’s Sebastian Cossa.
What Could Happen Next
The path forward depends heavily on how general managers navigate these specific constraints. If a trade is to materialize, it is likely that the acquiring team will need to provide a significant package of prospects and draft assets to satisfy Detroit. For Vegas, a move may only be possible if they successfully clear cap space. For Minnesota, the focus could remain on supplementing their center depth behind Joel Eriksson Ek to bolster their championship aspirations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which teams are on Dylan Larkin’s preferred trade list?
According to reports, Larkin is interested in moving to the Florida Panthers, the Vegas Golden Knights, or the Minnesota Wild.
Does Larkin have any trade protection in his contract?
Yes, Larkin holds a full no-trade clause for the next two seasons, after which it becomes a 10-team trade list.
What is the status of Larkin’s current contract?
Larkin has five years remaining on an eight-year deal with an $8.7 million cap hit, keeping him under contract until 2031.
How do you think the Red Wings should approach a potential rebuild if their captain is traded?