Atlantic Division Team Urged To Make A Push For Dylan Larkin

Dylan Larkin has presented the Detroit Red Wings with a three-team trade list, but up to now, it doesn't feel like a deal is brewing with any of those teams. In fact, a recent report even suggests that two of his preferred destinations are out. 

So where does that leave a new Red Wings front office (whenever it's named) in its ability to grant their captain's trade request? 

Adam Proteau of The Hockey News has urged the Boston Bruins to step up to the plate and try to convince both Larkin and the Wings that a move to Beantown would work. 

The Atlantic Division isn't getting any easier, with the Florida Panthers expected to be back in business this season and the Toronto Maple Leafs making a number of significant improvements. Meanwhile, the up-and-coming Montreal Canadiens should be improved as well, while the Tampa Bay Lightning and Buffalo Sabres don't expect to be going anywhere. The Bruins badly need a boost.

Why the Bruins should target Larkin

Proteau rightfully notes that the center spot is in need of improvement in Boston, both in talent and depth. With that, he suggests they focus their attention on winning over Larkin. 

While it’s been reported that Larkin doesn’t have Boston on the list of teams he’d waive his no-trade clause for, that’s (Bruins GM Don) Sweeney’s job – he needs to convince Larkin and his agent the Bruins would be a terrific destination for him. 

Attracting veteran talent has been an attainable goal for Bruins brass in the past, and there’s no reason to believe Boston can’t make an attractive pitch to Larkin and persuade him the Bruins are a great landing spot for him.

Bruins face major hurdles trying to get into Larkin sweepstakes

Proteau notes the four first-round draft picks the Bruins have in the next three drafts as a good starting point for some of the potential assets they could offer. 

However, it says here that that won't get it done. The Red Wings have been adamant that they want a top-line-center-type back in return for Larkin. Obviously, for the Bruins, that would be a deal-breaker. They simply don't have one. That's why they'd be sniffing around Larkin in the first place. 

Unless they thought about putting top prospect James Hagens on the table. That might get Detroit's interest up. But that's extremely unlikely.

Boston could try to make a push for Larkin, but between the player's limited trade list and the Wings' high asking price, it sounds like a longshot.