The Larkin Trade: Red Wings Not Expected to Make Same Mistake Senators Made

With the Brady Tkachuk blockbuster now complete, attention around the NHL trade market is quickly shifting to another high-profile captain: Detroit Red Wings center Dylan Larkin. But what’s interesting is how the Tkachuk trade has changed the narrative surrounding any potential Larkin move. Everyone is looking at Detroit and Steve Yzerman, wondering if he’ll get the same lousy treatment the Senators did, or if he’ll hold firm, only moving Larkin when he’s good and ready?

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While the Senators got several assets back from the Florida Panthers, many believe Steve Staios got hosed on the trade. No Anton Lundell. No trade protection on the first-rounder in 2029. The Senators got nothing back in terms of players who can help today, meaning they’ll need to flip the assets to make their team better. The Red Wings can’t afford to do the same.

Yzerman is feeling the pressure in Detroit. What he does with the Larkin trade not only impact how competitive his team is this season (and they need to be competitive), but in years to come as names like Patrick Kane and Alex DeBrincat could bolt if things don’t improve.

As such, Larkin’s trade request remains one of the most significant storylines of the offseason.

In an effort not to botch the trade, Yzmerman is taking his time. There’s little indication a deal is imminent. According to Chris Johnston, talks have been “pretty slow,” with Yzerman under no pressure to move quickly. In fact, Yzerman is believed to be holding firm, unwilling to move his captain without receiving a return that aligns with Detroit’s needs.

While the Senators didn’t want the Tkachuk drama hanging over them, Yzerman isn’t prepared to cave, no matter how ugly things get. As a top-line center, Larkin plays a critical role in all situations, and replacing that kind of impact—particularly down the middle—is no easy task. Yzmerman knows what he wants, and he’ll wait until a team steps up to offer it.

Any deal is expected to center around a combination of young players and future assets, with Detroit prioritizing quality over urgency.

Who Might Step Up For Larkin?

There is one potential difference that makes Detroit’s life a little easier than things were for the Senators. Brady Tkachuk really only wanted one team. Larkin is open to a few. This isn’t lip service, where Brady submitted a list of four, but Florida was the only real option. Larkin is good with a few teams, even if he’s got his preference.

While several teams continue to monitor the situation, the Minnesota Wild remain a notable contender. Reports suggest Minnesota values Larkin highly, especially given their need for a top center. There’s also intrigue around the possibility of Larkin joining a core that includes Kirill Kaprizov, Matt Boldy, and Brock Faber.

Elsewhere, the Dallas Stars have surfaced as a potential preferred destination for Larkin, though it remains unclear how aggressive they may ultimately be in trade discussions. They still have a Jason Robertson mess to sort out. First things first.

The Panthers are out now, and if they take another swing, it will be in goal.

Vegas is the unpredictable guest at the dance.

Larkin still holds significant control over the process, but Yzerman has relayed that they won’t make a bad deal just to make it. Larkin may have to expand his list even further.

With Yzerman showing patience and multiple teams circling, this situation is expected to play out over time. While a trade still appears likely at some point this summer, it’s clear there will be no rushed resolution in Detroit.

Next: NHL Trade Talk Recap: Oilers, Canucks & Senators New Plan