Dylan Larkin Trade Talk Builds as Detroit Scouts Montreal and New Jersey

Detroit’s Dylan Larkin situation may be nearing a decision, but a trade remains a possibility rather than a certainty. Jim Biringer, of NHLRumors.com and Full Press Hockey, told TSN Radio in Montreal that he expects the matter to be resolved within the next couple of weeks. He pointed to Detroit’s scouting activity and the team’s apparent willingness to reconsider its asking price.

The discussion followed the reported Connor Hellebuyck trade and the question of whether Larkin could be the next prominent player on the move. Biringer’s forecast is a prediction, not confirmation that Detroit has reached a deal. The Red Wings have continued to assess potential destinations, while the central challenge remains finding a return that works for both the club and Larkin.

Detroit weighs its options

Biringer said Detroit has been scouting Montreal again, with Kris Draper among those watching the Canadiens. The Red Wings have also been in New Jersey to assess the Devils and what they might be able to offer. That activity suggests Detroit is gathering information across multiple possible destinations, rather than waiting for one team to meet its original terms.

According to Biringer, the Red Wings could be easing their price somewhat. Detroit is looking for a younger center with qualities resembling Larkin’s, a difficult profile to acquire in a single deal. Biringer’s view is that the club may need to accept that it won’t receive a direct replacement of the same type. That gap between Detroit’s preferred return and the players available could shape how quickly talks progress.

Larkin is playing for Detroit, Biringer said, but he described the center as still wanting a trade. The 10-team list of destinations that Larkin could accept was reported by Helene St. James. That list gives the discussions a defined set of possible landing spots, though it doesn’t guarantee that any one of those clubs can assemble a suitable offer.

For more on the possible destinations, see the earlier report on why Minnesota and Montreal may fit Larkin, along with coverage of Detroit’s handling of the Larkin and Simon Edvinsson situations.

Several teams could enter the picture

Biringer identified New Jersey and Carolina as teams worth watching. The Devils need help at center, he said, and acquiring Larkin could give them more options down the middle, including the possibility of moving Jack Hughes to the wing. Carolina, meanwhile, has a reputation for pursuing significant roster moves under Eric Tulsky. Biringer believes both clubs have pieces Detroit could consider.

He said Dawson Mercer is no longer on New Jersey’s list of available pieces, but suggested the Devils may have other assets that could interest Detroit. Biringer also mentioned Utah and Washington, as well as Colorado and a group of frequent destination candidates: Florida, Minnesota, Dallas, Tampa Bay and Vegas. Those teams are possibilities raised in the radio discussion; the source does not establish that each is actively negotiating with Detroit.

Montreal could be especially relevant if the Canadiens can put together the strongest package. Biringer’s assessment, as relayed in the accompanying report, is that Montreal may have the best offer. But Larkin would need to agree to a move to Canada. That makes his destination preferences a key part of any potential deal, alongside the players and other assets Detroit receives.

Minnesota’s interest, in Biringer’s view, could also connect to Quinn Hughes. He cited Hughes and Larkin’s relationship, their frequent conversations and their shared agent as factors that have drawn attention to the Wild. If Hughes stays in Minnesota, Biringer suggested that a Larkin deal could help set the stage for Hughes to sign his contract. Hughes has said the situations aren’t related, but Biringer thinks they could become linked in practice if both matters move around the same time.

A decision is still pending

The Red Wings’ position, as described in the source, remains unresolved: Larkin has not withdrawn his trade request. The report compares the pressure surrounding his situation with the circumstances before Winnipeg moved Hellebuyck, while acknowledging that the teams and transactions are different. Detroit still wants to compete, and Biringer’s read is that the club has to weigh that goal against the difficulty of finding a young center who matches its ideal return.

John Buccigross said he had heard something could happen within seven to 10 days, according to the source. That report added to the sense that the situation could soon change, but it doesn’t establish a timetable or confirm a deal. For now, the clearest indicators are Detroit’s scouting trips, the reported 10-team list and Biringer’s belief that the Red Wings may be adjusting their expectations. Those developments make the next few weeks worth watching, while leaving the outcome—and Larkin’s willingness to accept any particular destination—open.