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.
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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.
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"[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.
