Some NHL rumors reach a point where one untouchable player changes the entire conversation. That has become the reality surrounding the Detroit Red Wings, as discussions involving one of the NHL’s biggest names continue to hit the same wall.
While multiple contenders remain in the conversation, one franchise has drawn a firm line and refuses to budge.
Minnesota Wild Won’t Include Matt Boldy in Dylan Larkin Trade Talks
The player at the center of the Minnesota Wild’s stance is Matt Boldy, the Team USA Olympic gold medalist who has emerged as one of the Wild’s most valuable long-term pieces.
According to NHL insider Joe Smith of The Athletic, Dylan Larkin remains available, but the market has slowed considerably.
“Larkin is still in play, though things have been pretty quiet on that end,” Smith wrote, adding that former Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman remained patient while searching for “the right return for the face of his franchise.”
He also noted that Yzerman said around the NHL Draft there was “no guarantee he will follow through on Larkin’s trade request,” making it possible that “September arrives and Larkin hasn’t moved.”
Smith reported that Larkin has expanded his preferred destinations by adding the Dallas Stars to a group that already includes the Wild, Florida Panthers, and Vegas Golden Knights. Even so, negotiations remain stuck because Detroit is prioritizing NHL-ready talent rather than future assets.
This demand has become the biggest obstacle.
Smith explained that “the Wild have made their offer for Larkin, but it appears it’s not enough for Detroit,” noting that the Red Wings are seeking roster players instead of futures.
This is where Boldy comes into the picture. Reports suggested Detroit wanted the 25-year-old winger included in any package, but Smith dismissed that possibility, writing, “As for the Nick Kypreos report that the Red Wings would want Matt Boldy in a Larkin trade, we don’t see a scenario where the Wild would move on from the winger.”
Minnesota’s position is understandable.
Boldy helped Team USA capture Olympic gold at the 2026 Milano Cortina Games, opening the scoring in the championship game against Canada before finishing the tournament with four points in six games. Combined with his team-friendly $7 million AAV contract, he has become one of the franchise’s foundational players.
If a deal cannot be reached, Smith believes the Wild are prepared to stay patient.
“Our read is that Guerin would likely wait if the Wild can’t trade for Larkin,” he wrote, leaving one of hockey’s biggest trade stories at a standstill while Detroit’s next move remains uncertain.
