Does a Long-Term Barkov Injury Lead to Larkin in Florida?

If Aleksander Barkov suffers another serious injury, expect plenty of chatter about Dylan Larkin and a possible trade to the Florida Panthers. Barkov missed significant time last season with a long-term injury. Head coach Paul Maurice says Thursday’s injury is unrelated, but if it proves season-ending and Barkov lands on LTIR, Florida could suddenly have both a need at center and the cap space to pursue Larkin.

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Barkov missed all of last season after receiving right knee surgery for a torn ACL and MCL. Last night’s awkward fall was reminiscent of that incident and the way Barkov left the ice in frustration; many are wondering if he knows it’s bad. Meanwhile, Larkin, who himself has a minor injury, is waiting in Detroit for a trade.

The Panthers are on his list of preferred destinations, but without a clear hole to fill and with no desire to trade a top piece off of their roster to make a trade work, Larkin has been stuck in Detroit. Barkov’s injury won’t answer the question of what Florida would be willing to trade, but it would suggest they need a replacement.

What Would the Panthers Trade to Acquire Larkin?

When asked who the Panthers would trade for Larkin, NHL analyst and Host of What Chaos, Pete Blackburn responded, “I don’t know I just assume they’ll find a way.”

Anton Lundell is the piece most often connected to a big trade out of Florida, but Panthers have no desire to move Lundell. They’d need to find other pieces that could go back. However, the Red Wings want someone that they can insert into their lineup immediately.

In a report shared with casino.org, NHL insider Frank Seravalli says rival executives view Detroit’s ask as “unrealistic” given the circumstances. “They have essentially asked for a younger version of Dylan Larkin back,” the GM said. “Even if someone had it, who is giving that up?”

The Panthers might be desperate if Barkov goes down, but probably not that desperate.

Next: NHL Trade Talk Recap: Canadiens, Oilers & No to No-Trade Clauses?