Dylan Larkin could have a new home this offseason.
It isn't too far-fetched to believe the Detroit Red Wings may ship their captain to another club.
Larkin isn't happy
Larkin has a reason to be upset. The team isn't where it needs to be, and now he has chosen to make his frustrations public. Larkin's end-of-season press conference with Detroit's management was tense and awkward, as he called them out for their lackadaisical approach at the trade deadline.
The 28-year-old signed an eight-year, $69.6 million contract in 2023, which carries an average annual salary of $8.7 million. Larkin has been in the trading rumor mill before, but calling out your bosses is next level. That tells trouble is brewing in paradise, but what team would be willing to trade for Larkin?
It's gonna get wild
While most people would pick the Vancouver Canucks, this writer believes the Minnesota Wild could be a top contender. Larkin has made it clear publicly that he wants to be valued. The Wild are a playoff-contending team, and the Red Wings haven't made the playoffs in nine consecutive seasons.
There's no standout player in Minnesota other than Karill Kaprisov, who has battled injuries this season, but they are a team that has good chemistry. There's solid depth, just not at the center position, and Larkin is the guy who could fill that hole. Furthermore, this is a part of general manager Bill Guerin's long-term objective moving forward. If we recall at the 4 Nations Tournament, Larkin played particularly well with Matt Boldy, who led the Wild in points this year with 73.
Larkin was a stud in that tournament but he wasn't that stallion for the Red Wings this season. He feels disenfranchised and wants to play for a more structured and stable team. In all honesty, who can blame him?
No one really blamed Matt Duchene for leaving the Colorado Avalanche when he did, albeit the Avs eventually figuring things out and winning the 2022 Stanley Cup. The difference in this scenario is that Detroit lacks the presence of a Nathan MacKinnon or a Marty Necas. They're one play away from scoring a fantastic goal; one play away from making an embarrassing defensive turnover that results in a goal, or just committing a dumb penalty that costs the team down the stretch.
Who should the Red Wings acquire?
Detroit needs defensemen who are willing to aggressively kill off penalties. You can unload to Minnesota for possibly Jared Spurgeon, who's solid. In that deal, perhaps add a draft pick as well. Minnesota has a 2025 first-round pick at their disposal as well as a pair of 2026 picks. Detroit is known for building their team through the draft.
Of course, there's also free agency. Speaking of Matt Duchene, he may not return to the Dallas Stars next season given their cap situation. He may be a little older now, but he comes with experience. He led Dallas in points this year and is a solid all-around guy.
Patrick Kane on a line with Duchene has a nice ring to it, and they have similar personalities both on and off the ice. Detroit is in serious need of a top-winger. Duchene should be available. Furthermore, Brock Nelson is expected to be an unrestricted free agent in the offseason. Now, there's a guy who's not only a great shooter but also physically strong and has a presence on the ice. He would be a solid fit for Detroit as well.
And don't shoot the messenger, but although Avalanche fans remain bitter towards Duchene, a reunion would benefit their offensive struggles currently on display in the playoffs.
And, of course, we'd be remiss if we didn't discuss the defensemen. Detroit needs to go all in on Sam Bennett. If they can unload the Larkin cheese on another team, there'll be enough cap space to splurge on the star.
Larkin has done great things for this organization, but he wasn't at his best this year, and he made it very clear why.