The Detroit Red Wings are facing an unexpected challenge this summer with their captain, Dylan Larkin, reportedly requesting a trade. The situation initially centered on a small group of preferred destinations, but he has since been linked with contenders across the NHL, with several teams evaluating their interest.
Detroit now finds itself balancing its franchise player’s wishes with the need to maximize any potential return. As interest around the league is growing, one Western Conference contender has emerged as the latest team doing its homework.
Dallas Stars Among NHL Teams Exploring a Dylan Larkin Trade
Larkin’s trade request has swiftly become one of the NHL’s biggest offseason developments. While the Red Wings captain first provided a limited list of three teams he would accept a move to, recent reports suggest the situation has evolved, creating opportunities for additional teams to enter the discussion.
NHL insider Pierre LeBrun recently reported in The Athletic that Detroit general manager Steve Yzerman has remained engaged in discussions with Larkin’s camp while seeking a path forward that benefits both sides.
LeBrun noted that Yzerman approached Larkin’s agent, Pat Brisson, about expanding the original list of destinations and indicated there are now more possibilities being considered beyond the initial group.
LeBrun also revealed that interest extends well beyond teams already linked to Larkin. As he wrote, “All kinds of teams have called to see what’s what,” with organizations around the league exploring whether there is a realistic path to acquiring the veteran center.
Among those teams, LeBrun specifically identified the Dallas Stars as a team that has “absolutely checked in.”
Dallas’ interest is understandable given Larkin’s profile.
Elite first-line centers rarely become available, especially players who serve as franchise captains and remain under long-term contract control. Larkin is signed through the 2030-31 season under an 8-year, $69.6 million contract that carries a cap hit of $8.7 million.
The structure of that deal adds to his appeal. Detroit has already paid a significant portion of the contract’s total value, leaving a relatively manageable real-dollar commitment for any acquiring team over the remaining five years. Combined with a rising salary cap, that makes Larkin an attractive option for contenders seeking stability down the middle.
However, fitting him into Dallas’ roster will not be simple. The Stars face important negotiations with restricted free agent Jason Robertson, whose next contract will dramatically affect the team’s financial flexibility. Dallas may need to resolve Robertson’s situation before seriously pursuing a player with Larkin’s cap hit.
Potential frameworks have already generated discussion. One possibility involves a direct swap centered on Robertson’s rights and Larkin, while another would see Detroit prioritize futures such as prospects, draft picks, and additional assets. Either route would require significant work from both organizations.
Larkin’s frustration with Detroit’s prolonged playoff drought and his desire to compete for a Stanley Cup have fueled the current situation. Yet his full no-movement clause ensures he remains in control of the process.
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As more teams continue to inquire, Dallas has joined a growing list of teams monitoring whether one of the summer’s most significant trade stories can eventually produce a deal.
