The price for Detroit’s Dylan Larkin, according to league sources, isn’t just exorbitant. It’s currently prohibitive, sportsnet.ca reported. “It should be,” an Eastern Conference executive said, granted anonymity to speak openly about another team’s business. “He’s been a No. 1 centre for almost all his time there, and that has its own price. But factor in his cap hit ($8.7M through 2031) in this market, and that’s worth a premium.”
Red Wings Assistant General Manager Kris Draper Scouts Montreal Canadiens Games
Red Wings assistant general manager Kris Draper has kept a close watch on the Montreal Canadiens. Draper attended Game 1 between the Canadiens and Toronto Maple Leafs, followed by a matchup against the San Jose Sharks, and a game against the Chicago Blackhawks. If this travel schedule seems unusual given that Larkin has not officially listed Montreal among the cities he would waive his no-movement clause for, sportsnet.ca noted that few teams possess the asset depth that Montreal can offer. Detroit wants a high return, but the asking price remains steep while the Red Wings hold a 5-4-3 record.
NHL Insiders Map Out Larkin’s Limited Trade Market
TSN’s Darren Dreger reported on a podcast that Philadelphia sits outside the running because Larkin does not want to go there, according to ca.sports.yahoo.com. TSN’s Pierre LeBrun added that no connection exists between Tampa and Detroit. While the Utah Mammoth appear on the list and hold trade assets, LeBrun reported that they do not view the pursuit as a top priority because they already have a surplus of centers. Chris Johnston explained that the Boston Bruins make logical sense as a suitor, but Larkin currently lacks interest in moving there. Meanwhile, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman noted that Montreal fans chanting for Larkin at the Bell Centre moved the needle, though any deal would require reverse-engineering a trade package and presenting it to the player for approval.
Chandler Stephenson Emerges as an Alternative Trade Target
If Montreal misses out on landing Larkin, the club could pivot to alternative options. A Winning Habit reported that the Seattle Kraken want to acquire a top-line scoring winger and are willing to move a center, putting 32-year-old veteran Chandler Stephenson into focus. Stephenson carries a cap hit of $6.25 million for four more seasons after the current campaign, standing lower than Larkin’s $8.7 million figure. Stephenson brings extensive playoff experience with two Stanley Cups and 39 points across 95 postseason games. Montreal could package a young player like 23-year-old Oliver Kapanen to facilitate a deal with Seattle.
Questions About the Dylan Larkin Trade Market
Why hasn’t Dylan Larkin been traded yet?
The Detroit Red Wings have set a prohibitive asking price for the 30-year-old center, and the team continues winning games with Larkin averaging nearly 22 minutes of ice time per night.
Friend of the program @FriedgeHNIC had some scoops for @Jackie_Redmond…Larkin updates, Hellebuyck fallout, the Nikishin contract and more 👀 pic.twitter.com/pPBnDNWvKp
What teams are considered front-runners for Larkin?
The Minnesota Wild remain the longtime front-runners, while the Montreal Canadiens have picked up steam as a potential landing spot if Larkin ultimately adds them to his approved trade list.
How does Simon Edvinsson’s situation affect Detroit?
Six-foot-six left-handed defenseman Simon Edvinsson is currently holding out on the Red Wings and demanding a trade, which adds urgency to Detroit’s roster management as they seek high-end center prospects.
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