Dylan Larkin is the NHL's biggest trade candidate, and it is not difficult to understand why. The 2014 first-round pick has requested a trade from his hometown team, so all eyes should continue to be on him as the offseason carries on.
If the Red Wings are able to find Larkin a new home before the offseason is over, it would certainly make them a very interesting team to watch next season. It could open the door for them to kick off a retool or even another rebuild. Due to this, Larkin could very well not be the only big-name Red Wings player who ends up being traded between now and the 2027 NHL Trade Deadline.
One specific Red Wings star who has the potential to be traded besides Larkin is Alex DeBrincat. Questions about the 28-year-old's future in Detroit have been coming up often this summer, and they have the potential to only increase once we get closer to next year's trade deadline.
Why the Red Wings could end up trading Alex DeBrincat if contract negotiations go south
With DeBrincat being one of the Red Wings' best players, some may be wondering why they would even consider trading him. The big reason for it is that he is entering the final season of his contract in 2026-27 and is a pending unrestricted free agent. If the Red Wings are once again not in a playoff spot next season and do not have DeBrincat signed to a contract extension by then, they may have no choice but to trade the star winger.
It is also no secret that DeBrincat's trade value is incredibly. This is because he is a star winger who is coming off an excellent 2025-26 season. In 82 games last season with Detroit, he scored 41 goals and set new career highs with 44 assists and 85 points. With numbers like these, contenders would be willing to give up a lot to bring him in if he is made available.
The possibility of DeBrincat getting traded this upcoming season is there. Yet, with the 2016 second-round pick being a hometown kid and one of Detroit's core members, it would still be a shock to fans to see him actually go.
Trade rumors surrounding DeBrincat would end with an extension
Until DeBrincat signs a contract extension with the Red Wings, trade speculation surrounding the star forward will only continue. Due to this, he is a trade candidate to keep an eye on.
Yet, with DeBrincat being such an important part of the Red Wings' roster and having grown up in Michigan, the possibility of him signing a deal to stay in Detroit is undoubtedly there. It will be interesting to see if he ends up wanting to stay put, even with Larkin wanting out.
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