Dylan Larkin wants out.
The Detroit Red Wings captain has asked for a trade, and many people believe this has been brewing for more than two years. There was reportedly a ton of conflict between Larkin and Steve Yzerman during his contract extension negotiations two years ago, and Larkin has a history of calling Yzerman out in the media after he didn't add any players at the trade deadline last season.
Needless to say, it's over, and Larkin's going to pick his next team. The 29-year-old is signed through the 2031 season at $8.7 million AAV, and he's put up four straight 30-goal seasons. Every team wants a Dylan Larkin, however, these four teams have been linked as heavy favorites:
Minnesota Wild
The Wild want to make a splash for a first-line forward and with all their ties to Team USA Olympic hockey, Larkin to Minny makes a ton of sense. Don't be surprised to see Bill Guerin take a massive swing to acquire Larkin as soon as the NHL Draft in two weeks from Buffalo.
Elliotte Friedman: Re Dylan Larkin trade request: There is also the Yzerman factor. He will not be bullied into any scenario he dislikes; It’s hard to believe, though, that someone won’t step up; we will see where this takes us between now and the draft - Sportsnet (6/4)
New Jersey Devils
Speaking of a Hughes brother, if it isn't Quinn in Minnesota, it's Luke and Jack in New Jersey that Larkin would be open to play with. The Devils have Sunny Mehta running the show now and adding Larkin could be a huge first move for the analytical GM. Simon Nemec and Dawson Mercer could be involved, or this could turn into a bigger deal and perhaps Nico Hischier heads the other way.
Vegas Golden Knights
While the Golden Knights have bigger things to worry about right now, Larkin and Jack Eichel as best of friends and it's going to be interesting to see if Larkin wants to be a Golden Knight. If that's the case, don't be surprised to see Vegas get this done.
Anaheim Ducks
The Ducks are dangling Mason McTavish on the trade market, and with Anaheim making some noise in the Stanley Cup Playoffs this spring, and with them being loaded with young talent, Larkin could see playing in Anaheim as the perfect fit. He knows Pat Verbeek well, and the two have a great relationship. Don't be shocked if the Ducks pull this off.
Photo credit: Bob Lee, Imagn Images
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