Several NHL franchises intensified efforts to negotiate a trade for Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin on June 26, 2026, as teams look to secure the star center before the weekend.
The sweepstakes involve multiple suitors, including the Dallas Stars, Florida Panthers, Minnesota Wild, and Vegas Golden Knights, according to reports from Yahoo Sports and Hockey Wilderness.
Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman reportedly wants a resolution prior to the weekend, forcing interested teams to organize asset packages or engage third-party facilitators to match Detroit's high asking price for their top asset.
Golden Knights Emerge as Contender
The Golden Knights have emerged as a significant contender due to Larkin's established relationship with Vegas forward Jack Eichel.
To accommodate Larkin's salary, Vegas general manager Kelly McCrimmon could potentially explore utilizing movable assets such as Tomas Hertl, Adin Hill, Pavel Dorofeyev, or future draft picks.
"The Golden Knights — one of his favored destinations — could be lurking in the weeds here," said Chris Johnston, reporter for The Athletic.
Meanwhile, the Minnesota Wild are also aggressively pursuing Larkin but lack the immediate assets desired by Detroit, leading to speculation about involving a third team.
If the Wild fail to land Larkin, alternative young center options on the trading block include Mason McTavish and Shane Wright.
"[They] would be attractive on paper, but neither appears to be a natural fit for a Minnesota team operating in win-now mode," said Michael Russo, analyst for The Athletic.
In a separate transaction completed on Thursday, the Red Wings traded forward Amadeus Lombardi to the New Jersey Devils in exchange for a 2026 fourth-round draft choice.
This low-risk roster addition provides the Devils with developmental flexibility ahead of the upcoming season.
"For New Jersey, it’s a low-risk add to the forward depth.
The Devils’ system could use more dynamic, play-driving types up front, and Lombardi’s profile—a speedy, skilled center who can contribute offensively while bringing some grit—lines up with their strengths," said James Nichols, beat writer for New Jersey Hockey Now.
Lombardi just finished his third pro season—all in the American Hockey League. He has yet to make his NHL debut.
The broader market remains fluid as the Colorado Avalanche recently cleared salary cap space by moving Valeri Nichushkin, and the Dallas Stars continue searching for a trade partner for forward Jason Robertson after a projected deal with the Seattle Kraken fell through.
