Dylan Larkin's trade situation has taken another turn, and Todd McLellan's Detroit Red Wings are considering a surprising type of return.
According to NHL insider Elliotte Friedman on Thursday's 32 Thoughts, Detroit has been asking about young centers around the league, including players who haven't even reached the NHL.
That's a significant development considering the Red Wings had previously been focused on acquiring established NHL talent who could help them compete immediately.
Interim general manager Shawn Horcoff now appears willing to explore a different approach, one that could involve sacrificing immediate production for a younger player with considerable upside.
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Larkin gives Detroit more to deal with in updated trade list
Friedman also revealed that Larkin has expanded his list of acceptable trade destinations to 10 teams, potentially giving Detroit more options to negotiate a deal.
And with groundwork reportedly being done behind the scenes, the situation surrounding Detroit's former captain could become increasingly interesting.
The surprising part isn't that Detroit wants a young center. It's that the organization is apparently considering players who aren't ready to contribute at the NHL level.
That represents a departure from the earlier expectation that any Larkin trade would need to bring back an established player capable of stepping directly into McLellan's lineup.
For Horcoff, targeting a high-end prospect could open discussions with clubs unwilling to surrender an important piece of their current roster.
It also raises questions about Detroit's direction. Moving Larkin for a developing center would leave a significant opening down the middle while potentially delaying the team's competitive timeline.
Steve Yzerman previously warned that trading Larkin could produce a stronger long-term return than immediate help. That possibility now appears to be receiving greater consideration.
Nothing indicates a deal is finalized, and Friedman hasn't identified the young centers Detroit is specifically targeting.
But with Larkin reportedly willing to consider more destinations and Detroit exploring a wider range of returns, negotiations have another avenue to explore.
The biggest question now is whether Horcoff can find a young center worth surrendering one of Detroit's most recognizable players.
Should the Detroit Red Wings accept a top young center who isn't NHL-ready in exchange for Dylan Larkin?
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