Dylan Larkin remains one of the biggest names on the NHL trade market after reportedly requesting a trade from the Detroit Red Wings following the 2025-26 season.
The situation has changed significantly since Larkin’s trade request became public. The 30-year-old center is no longer Detroit’s captain, and the Red Wings began the 2026-27 season without naming a new captain. Larkin also missed Detroit’s first two games because of an upper-body injury.
Larkin has spent his entire 11-season NHL career in Detroit, but he has not returned to the Stanley Cup Playoffs since his rookie season. The Red Wings have now missed the playoffs for 10 consecutive seasons, giving Larkin plenty of reasons to consider a fresh start elsewhere. Montreal has also been linked to interest in acquiring Larkin.
With that in mind, here are three teams that could make the most sense as potential landing spots for the veteran center.
Potential Landing Spots in a Dylan Larkin Trade
1. Minnesota Wild
The Minnesota Wild remain one of the most obvious landing spots for Larkin.
Minnesota already showed interest in acquiring the Detroit center during the offseason but was unable to reach an agreement with the Red Wings. That makes the Wild an especially interesting team to watch if trade discussions begin heating up again.
The fit is easy to understand. Larkin would give Minnesota another established center while adding speed, leadership, and experience to a lineup built around stars such as Kirill Kaprizov and Matt Boldy.
The Wild are looking to take another step forward in the Western Conference. Adding a proven two-way center could give them an important piece capable of making a difference during a deep playoff run.
Minnesota has already shown interest once, and if Detroit becomes more willing to move Larkin during the season, the Wild could quickly become one of the leading contenders.
2. Vegas Golden Knights
The Vegas Golden Knights could also be an interesting destination if Larkin becomes available.
Vegas has consistently shown a willingness to make major roster moves when an opportunity to improve its championship chances becomes available. Adding a center with Larkin’s experience and offensive ability would give the Golden Knights another dangerous option down the middle.
Larkin’s speed would be particularly valuable in Vegas. He can carry the puck through the neutral zone, create scoring opportunities off the rush, and contribute in serious situations at both ends of the ice.
The Golden Knights also have a roster built to compete for the Stanley Cup right now. They are not interested in waiting several years to become contenders, making an established player like Larkin an attractive option.
The biggest question would be the asking price. Detroit has little reason to move its star center for anything less than a significant return, especially with five years remaining on his contract.
Still, Vegas has never been afraid to make aggressive moves, and Larkin could be an interesting addition.
3. Florida Panthers
The Florida Panthers could be another serious option for Larkin, especially considering the uncertainty surrounding Aleksander Barkov‘s injury.
During the offseason, Larkin reportedly identified three preferred destinations: Florida, Vegas, and Minnesota. That puts the Panthers firmly in the conversation.
Barkov is currently on long-term injured reserve, and there is uncertainty surrounding when he will return. Adding a center like Larkin would give Florida an experienced replacement and help keep its championship ambitions alive.
However, there is one major problem: the salary cap.
Larkin carries an $8.7 million cap hit, and the Panthers are already operating close to the salary cap ceiling. To complete a trade, Florida would likely need to move other contracts to create enough room.
There is also the question of Barkov’s return. His placement on LTIR does not automatically mean his season is over. If he eventually returns, Larkin could become a temporary solution rather than a permanent answer at center.
A deal would also likely require Florida to surrender valuable assets, potentially including prospects, draft picks or established players. The Panthers have pieces that could interest Detroit, but would they be willing to give up that much?
For now, Minnesota and Vegas should not be overlooked. If Florida cannot find a way to make the salary cap work, either team could have a significant opportunity to acquire Larkin.
Main Image: Brian Bradshaw Sevald-Imagn Images
