Wild seek trade for Dylan Larkin as Detroit holds firm on value
The Minnesota Wild are exploring options to acquire former Detroit captain Dylan Larkin, while Detroit’s interim GM Shawn Horcoff says the Red Wings expect significant return, and the Philadelphia Flyers may act as a third-party facilitator.
Detroit’s interim general manager Shawn Horcoff confirmed that former captain Dylan Larkin will sit out until his trade request is satisfied, citing the player’s no-movement clause and a specific list of preferred destinations. Larkin, 30, has excluded all Canadian clubs and has limited interest in Minnesota, where General Manager Bill Guerin has been the most active suitor, according to TSN’s Pierre LeBrun.
"The Red Wings are being unrealistic in what they are looking for in return for Larkin," Daily Faceoff reported from Wild sources.
The Wild have reportedly floated center Danila Yurov and prospect Charlie Stramel, but Detroit officials say those assets do not meet their valuation. An Eastern Conference executive told DFO that the Wild “have to win now” and may need to sacrifice a deal to acquire Larkin, while a Western Conference executive noted Detroit does not need goaltender Jesper Wallstedt, despite the Wild’s interest in using the 2021 first-round pick as a trade chip.
Speculation has arisen about a three-team deal involving the Vancouver Canucks, but Detroit does not value center Elias Pettersson highly. The Philadelphia Flyers have emerged as a possible broker, with sources indicating they would absorb winger Yakov Trenin’s $3.5 million AAV contract in exchange for assets such as Stramel, should the Wild need to balance salary.
Detroit possesses cap space to absorb Trenin’s salary, but the Flyers’ willingness to facilitate could help bridge the gap between the Wild’s offer and Detroit’s expectations. The situation remains fluid, with other clubs potentially entering the race if the Wild and Red Wings cannot reach agreement soon.