NHL Trade Rumors: Capitals & Red Wings In Advanced Trade Talks

The Washington Capitals have been getting more aggressive with their pursuit of Detroit Red Wings forward Dylan Larkin. Trade talks have reportedly picked up in a major way over the weekend, and now there's some momentum being created that could lead to a finalized deal.

Larkin would be a huge addition for the Capitals to upgrade their forward core moving forward, and with their $3.1 million in cap space, there will need to be a couple of roster players heading to Detroit to make the money work. Interim GM Shawn Horcoff is open to just about any type of trade, but prefers to be able to insert the Red Wings' lineup with some NHL talent, immediately.

Pierre LeBrun: Re Dylan Larkin: My sense is the Caps have engaged to some level, but I can’t tell how hard they’ve pushed. Ilya Protas would be an obvious target for Detroit in any package - The Athletic (10/29)

While Ilya Protas has been linked by Pierre LeBrun, don't be surprised to see Dylan Strome a part of this trade. Strome and Alex DeBrincat have a long history together, they remain very close friends off the ice, and reuniting to once again play on the same line, as they were in junior, would be a breath of fresh air both teams could certainly use at the moment. Strome is due $5 million AAV this season and next, and doesn't own any trade protection. 

Trade talks have picked up recently, and even though Nikita Kucherov now has thrown his hat into the mix, with Connor Hellebuyck finally moved, it's Larkin's turn to get his wish. For everyone's sake, including us, it would be nice to move on.