Detroit Red Wings

ESPN Analyst Claims To Have Big News on Dylan Larkin Trade

ESPN’s John Buccigross says a Dylan Larkin trade could happen within 7-10 days. Here’s what we know about the Red Wings’ next move.

by
NHL Trade Talk
October 19, 2026

An ESPN analyst says the Detroit Red Wings’ biggest storyline could soon be resolved. On the Frankly Hockey podcast, recorded Friday, Oct. 16, John Buccigross said he has information pointing to a blockbuster deal. “I think there’s going to be a trade within seven to 10 days in Detroit,” he said. That would mean a Larkin trade is coming by around the end of the weekend.

Co-host Frank Seravalli asked whether he meant disgruntled star Dylan Larkin. Buccigross said yes, adding “that’s coming.”

Elliotte Friedman offered the latest on what he knows about the Larkin trade situation. He believes the Red Wings might be looking at things and wondering how long they want to let things drag on. “How much longer do we want to risk Larkin until he gets hurt?, Friedman asked. He said the Connor Hellebuyck situation has to have created a sense of urgency in Detroit.

Larkin’s Trade Request Has Been Dragging Out Too Long

Larkin’s trade request became public on June 4. As of the writing of this article, it is October 19. The Michigan native has been a key part of the Red Wings since his rookie season in 2015-16. About a month after the request surfaced, Detroit parted ways with longtime general manager Steve Yzerman. Shawn Horcoff was named interim GM on Sept. 15.

Horcoff has said he has no plans to rebuild. His long-term extension signing of Alex DeBrincat seems to confirm that. As such, it’s safe to assume that any Larkin deal would likely bring back a player of similar caliber rather than prospects and draft picks.

It’s taking some time to get a deal done, with the Minnesota Wild believed to be the frontrunners. However, other teams may have popped into the mix, the latest being the Montreal Canadiens. No one has confirmed that Larkin has added the Habs to his preferred trade list.

Larkin is signed through the 2030-31 season, and the Red Wings are under no obligation to trade him. Many analysts see his $8.7 million average annual value over the next four-plus seasons as strong value, which the team could use in negotiations.

According to Buccigross, that standoff is about to end. Friedman believes the Red Wings could be getting antsy.

For now, this is the read from a couple of analysts, not a confirmed report. Neither the team nor Larkin’s camp has commented on a timeline, so it’s worth watching how the next week and a half plays out.

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