Report: Capitals Refusing Key Piece In Larkin Trade
Pagnotta reported Oct. 29 that a well-placed source said the Red Wings have interest in the brothers, but that it’s unclear whether the Capitals would move even one of them.
The Standoff Over The Protas Brothers
LeBrun said his sense is that Washington has engaged to some level, though he can’t tell how hard the Capitals have pushed.
ESPN’s Emily Kaplan reported Oct. 29 that the Capitals hadn’t had recent trade talks with Detroit, and that Ryan Leonard hasn’t been involved in any.
TSN's @PierreVLeBrun says the Capitals are engaging in Dylan Larkin trade talks, and suggests that Ilya Protas would be “an obvious target” as a return 👀🍿 https://t.co/NAaGF2mLHt
— BarDown (@BarDown) November 1, 2026
Ilya Protas (20) was the 75th overall pick in 2024, and was named AHL rookie of the year last season. In 13 games to start the season, the 6-foot-6 forward has one goal and five points across 13 games played.
Aliaksei, his older brother, had 25 goals and 52 points in 76 games last season and re-signed with Washington through 2028-29. He's off to a bit of a rough start this year, recording an identical one goal and five points as his brother through 13 games played.
Where Larkin Stands
Larkin (30) carries an $8.7 million cap hit through 2030-31, asked for a trade in May, and was suspended without pay Oct. 30 after telling Detroit he wouldn’t play again until he’s moved.
Washington is one of the 10 teams on his approved list, and Friedman said Saturday it’s possible the list changes over the next 24 to 48 hours.
Per @HeleneStJames, Dylan Larkin has expanded his trade list to 10 teams: Panthers Wild Golden Knights Stars Capitals Hurricanes Mammoth Lightning Devils Avalanche https://t.co/eILyLzYNrt
— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) October 21, 2026
Ilya’s cap hit is $932,500, so Washington would have to send salary back, and Dylan Strome has been suggested as a possible piece.
