Dylan Larkin is suddenly at the center of major trade pressure, and Todd McLellan's Red Wings aren't biting on the latest offers.
According to David Pagnotta, teams both on and off Larkin's list have pitched offers to Detroit, with Boston and Minnesota among the clubs involved. Those approaches have been rejected so far.
That's a significant development. This has moved beyond teams simply calling to check availability. Offers are reaching Detroit, and the Red Wings have already decided they aren't enough.
The timing adds another layer. Larkin remains Detroit's biggest piece down the middle, while outside clubs are clearly testing what it would take to pry him loose before the season gets rolling.
Larkin carries an $8,700,000 cap hit through 2030-31. Any serious pursuit requires more than finding the assets Detroit wants; interested teams also have to build the financial structure for a massive commitment.
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The 30-year-old has 643 points across 808 regular-season games over his NHL career. That's the profile teams are chasing: a proven top-six center with special-teams value and years remaining on his deal.
Detroit is holding the line on Larkin
The biggest takeaway isn't that Boston and Minnesota have interest. It's that Detroit has received actual pitches and hasn't been moved by what has landed on the table.
That puts Steve Yzerman in a powerful spot. He doesn't have to move Larkin simply because the market is active, and rejecting offers establishes an early price point for every team considering another run.
Larkin also holds contractual control over the process. Pagnotta's report indicates teams both on and off his list have made approaches, making the player's preferred destinations part of an already complicated negotiation.
Boston's involvement immediately grabs attention because of the potential divisional consequences. Minnesota brings a different dynamic, but the underlying message is identical: established clubs are checking whether Detroit will move its biggest name.
For now, the answer is no.
But once multiple teams start submitting offers rather than making exploratory calls, the conversation changes. Detroit has drawn its line. The next question is whether somebody comes back with enough to force another discussion.
Will the Red Wings trade Dylan Larkin before the season ends?
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