Reports suggest the Dallas Stars have inquired about Detroit Red Wings forward Dylan Larkin, with speculation around a potential trade involving Jason Robertson. However, such a move may not be strategically sound for the Stars.
Dallas already possesses strong center depth with Wyatt Johnston, Matt Duchene, and Roope Hintz. Last season, Duchene struggled on the wing, and while Hintz might adapt, he doesn’t possess Robertson’s prolific goal-scoring ability. While it’s understandable for the Stars to gauge Larkin’s price, trading Robertson for him appears questionable.
Mock Trades for Dylan Larkin
In analyzing potential destinations for Dylan Larkin, three mock trades have been proposed by Florida Panthers, Minnesota Wild, and Vegas Golden Knights perspectives.
Florida Panthers Trade Scenario:
Red Wings Receive: Anton Lundell, 2026 9th overall pick, 2026 2nd round pick.
Panthers Receive: Dylan Larkin, Sebastian Cossa.
This proposal sees the Panthers giving up a significant package, including Lundell and a high draft pick, which might be an overpayment for Larkin. However, the Panthers could benefit from a goalie like Cossa, especially with Sergei Bobrovsky as a pending UFA and an uncertain goaltending future.
Minnesota Wild Trade Scenario:
Red Wings Receive: Charlie Stramel, Danila Yurov, 2027 1st round pick.
Wild Receive: Dylan Larkin.
The Red Wings’ system could use help at center. While Stramel and Yurov may not be top-line centers, they could bolster the middle-six. Stramel’s stock has risen after a strong season at Michigan State.
Vegas Golden Knights Trade Scenario:
Red Wings Receive: Pavel Dorofeyev (RFA), Tomas Hertl.
Golden Knights Receive: Dylan Larkin.
While the Golden Knights would be overpaying in this scenario, it would grant them considerable cap flexibility. Hertl has four years remaining on his contract at $6.75 million. Vegas currently has limited cap space and aims to re-sign Rasmus Andersson.
