Detroit Red Wings General Manager Steve Yzerman has reportedly compiled a list of potential trade destinations for captain Dylan Larkin. However, Yzerman is not under pressure to move Larkin, who signed a contract with full trade protection and has the authority to veto any deal.

Drawing parallels to past successful trades of players who requested moves, such as Martin St. Louis and Jonathan Drouin, Yzerman has a history of securing valuable assets even with limited leverage. Information regarding Larkin’s situation was not intended for public release by his camp, and many teams were caught off guard.

One anonymous GM described the situation as putting Detroit in a difficult position, acknowledging that a trade is not mandatory. While Yzerman has received a list of interested teams, this list is dynamic. Potential landing spots for Larkin include the Los Angeles Kings, Minnesota Wild, Montreal Canadiens, Boston Bruins, and possibly the Dallas Stars, depending on the contract status of Jason Robertson. It’s anticipated that 12 to 15 teams will express interest.

The Boston Bruins could certainly benefit from adding a player of Dylan Larkin’s caliber, but several obstacles stand in the way of a potential trade. Larkin carries an $8.7 million cap hit through the 2031 season and will turn 30 at the end of July. He has existing connections in Boston, being friends with David Pastrnak and having played with Charlie McAvoy and Jeremy Swayman at the Olympics.

Despite the Bruins’ need for a top-line center, there are significant challenges. Larkin’s desire to win is a key factor; he may be hesitant to waive his no-trade clause for teams not considered Stanley Cup contenders. With five years remaining on his contract, Yzerman has the luxury of not making a move unless he receives a satisfactory return. Furthermore, the Bruins are a division rival, and Yzerman might prefer a trade sending Larkin to the Western Conference. The Bruins may also prioritize strengthening their blue line over acquiring a center.

Yzerman will be seeking a substantial package in return for his captain. It remains to be seen if the Bruins can compete with other teams in terms of what they can offer. A potential Boston package could include Pavel Zacha, Mason Lohrei, Dean Letourneau, and the 23rd pick in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft. However, Detroit would likely require clarity on Zacha’s willingness to sign an extension, as he has one year remaining on his current contract.

NHL Rumors: Dylan Larkin’s Trade Prospects and Boston Bruins’ Interest

Detroit Red Wings General Manager Steve Yzerman has reportedly created a list of teams that might be interested in acquiring captain Dylan Larkin. However, the Red Wings are not obligated to trade him, as Larkin signed a contract that includes full no-trade protection.

Yzerman has a track record of successfully trading players who have sought moves, managing to get good returns even with limited negotiating power, as seen in the past with Martin St. Louis and Jonathan Drouin. The news of Larkin’s potential availability, which was not intended to be public knowledge by his camp, has surprised many NHL teams.

One NHL executive noted that this situation puts Detroit in a challenging position, emphasizing that a trade is not a necessity. While Yzerman has a list of interested teams, the landscape of potential deals can evolve. Among the teams frequently mentioned as fitting destinations for Larkin are the Los Angeles Kings, Minnesota Wild, Montreal Canadiens, Boston Bruins, and potentially the Dallas Stars, especially if a deal for Jason Robertson isn’t finalized. It’s expected that around 12 to 15 teams will make inquiries.

The Boston Bruins could indeed use a player like Dylan Larkin, but several factors complicate a potential trade. Larkin’s contract carries a $8.7 million cap hit through the 2031 season, and he will be 30 years old by the end of July. He has existing connections with several Bruins players, including being friends with David Pastrnak and having played with Charlie McAvoy and Jeremy Swayman in international competition.

Despite the Bruins’ clear need for a No. 1 center, there are significant hurdles. Larkin’s primary motivation is to win, and he may be reluctant to waive his no-trade clause for teams not viewed as strong contenders. With five years remaining on his contract, the Red Wings’ GM is not compelled to trade Larkin unless he receives an offer he deems acceptable. Furthermore, Yzerman might prefer to trade Larkin to a team in the Western Conference, given the Bruins’ status as a division rival. The Bruins’ more pressing need might also be to bolster their defense corps.

Yzerman will be aiming for a significant return in any potential trade. The question is whether the Bruins can match the offers from other teams. A hypothetical package from Boston could include players like Pavel Zacha, Mason Lohrei, Dean Letourneau, and the 23rd overall pick in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft. However, the Red Wings would likely require confirmation of Zacha’s commitment to an extension, as he still has a year left on his contract.

English Translation

NHL Rumors: Detroit Red Wings and the Boston Bruins

Detroit Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman has a list of teams for Dylan Larkin, but he doesn’t have to move him

Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic: Steve Yzerman has had some success in trading players who have asked for a trade, and getting a good return with not a lot of leverage – Martin St. Louis and Jonathan Drouin. Dylan Larkin’s camp didn’t want this information out there, and many teams didn’t see it coming.

One GM: “Puts Detroit in a tough place. They don’t have to trade him. He signed the contract and got the full trade protection.”

It’s believed that Yzerman was given a list of teams, but that can always change. Obvious fits for Larkin are the Los Angeles Kings, Minnesota Wild, Montreal Canadiens, Boston Bruins, and maybe the Dallas Stars if Jason Robertson isn’t extended. 12-15 teams will inquire.

The Boston Bruins could use someone like Dylan Larkin, but there are several issues

Fluto Shinzawa of The Athletic: Dylan Larkin carries an $8.7 million cap hit through 2031, and turns 30 at the end of July. He’s friends with David Pastrnak and played in the Olympics with Charlie McAvoy and Jeremy Swayman. The Bruins could use a No. 1 center, but there are issues holding up a potential trade to the Bruins.

Larkin wants to win, and there are several teams that are further along than the Bruins, so would he waive his no-trade clause? With five years left on his contract, Red Wings GM doesn’t have to move Larkin if he doesn’t get what he wants. The teams are division rivals, and Yzerman may prefer to see him in the Western Conference. The Bruins’ bigger need may be improving their blue line.

Yzerman will be looking for a big return, and can the Bruins compete with other teams? The Bruins could offer up Pavel Zacha, Mason Lohrei, Dean Letourneau and the No. 23 selection in 2026. The Red Wings wouldn’t do that without knowing if Zacha would sign an extension – he has a year left.