Story Summary
Whether Dylan Larkin will be wearing a Detroit Red Wings jersey on January 1, 2027 remains unresolved but, for now, the expectation is that he will stay in Detroit. Chris Johnston said he would pick Larkin to still be a Red Wing on that date while noting Minnesota remains the most likely long-term landing spot. Minnesota, Florida, Vegas and Dallas were named as teams linked with Larkin. Detroit would need a return that helps immediately, while the club’s unresolved general manager situation adds further uncertainty. Larkin is expected to report to camp, and he still has multiple years left on his contract, reducing any immediate pressure on Detroit to make a trade.
Key Facts
- Dylan Larkin is the central subject and is under contract with the Detroit Red Wings; the transcript repeatedly refers to his potential trade situation and jersey status.
- On the Chris Johnston Show, Johnston said, when asked which jersey Larkin would be wearing on January 1, 2027: “I’ll go Detroit.”
- Johnston described Minnesota as “probably the most likely landing spot” among teams reported as interested, while adding he still thinks the list of teams hasn’t expanded beyond those already reported.
- The teams specifically named in the discussion as linked to Larkin are Minnesota, Florida, Vegas and Dallas.
- Johnston said Detroit would need to receive a player who can help “right now” in any Larkin trade.
- Johnston said a player who does not report to camp would not be paid and would be in breach of contract; he added that Larkin is coming back to camp.
- The hosts observed that trade requests are often made but not honoured immediately; Johnston noted a player who does not report to camp would not be paid and would be in breach of contract, implying Larkin is expected to report.
- Julian McKenzie suggested Larkin might be traded “next off-season” if he remains in Detroit through the new year.
IHM Discussion
Johnston’s and McKenzie’s comments point to two simultaneous realities: the list of clubs linked with Dylan Larkin remains steady, while the mechanics of any move are unsettled. Larkin is expected to report to camp, and Detroit’s willingness to move him depends on finding immediate help in return and on the direction set by a new general manager.
Minnesota received particular attention. Johnston called the Wild “very interested” and “highly motivated”, but also pointed to their limited trade resources following their deal for Quinn Hughes. If Minnesota cannot meet Detroit’s demand for immediate help, talks may stall until either club’s circumstances change.
Detroit has time because Larkin has multiple years remaining on his contract. Interested teams may be prepared to wait, but that does not mean they have a suitable package available now. That leaves a Red Wings stay through the new-year checkpoint as a reasonable expectation, while keeping open the possibility of a trade later.
Why It Matters
For Detroit, retaining or trading Larkin would shape the club’s competitive direction. Johnston said the Red Wings need a return capable of helping immediately if they make a deal. For interested teams, the question is whether they can offer a package Detroit considers worthwhile now. Larkin reporting to camp would keep him with the club while the situation develops.
IHM Market Outlook
The discussion suggests a patient market rather than an imminent deal. Minnesota, Florida, Vegas and Dallas were named as clubs linked with Larkin, but Johnston said the Wild do not have “a ton in reserve” after their Quinn Hughes trade. Detroit’s pending general manager appointment and its need for immediate help in any return leave the timing of a move uncertain.
Mini Q&A
Has the list of teams interested in Dylan Larkin changed?
Johnston said he did not believe the list had expanded. Minnesota, Florida, Vegas and Dallas were the teams named in the discussion.
Will Dylan Larkin be a Detroit Red Wing on January 1, 2027?
Both Johnston and McKenzie leaned towards yes. Johnston said, “I’ll go Detroit,”while McKenzie said he expected Larkin to remain a Red Wing at the turn of the year.
Which team did Johnston identify as the most likely landing spot?
Johnston described Minnesota as “probably the most likely landing spot,”though he cautioned the Wild may lack the assets to complete a trade now.
Is a trade imminent?
Nothing in the discussion indicated an imminent trade. Detroit wants a return that helps immediately, its next general manager has not been appointed, and Johnston said Minnesota’s trade resources are limited. Larkin is also expected to report to camp.
Could Larkin be traded next off-season?
Julian McKenzie suggested that is possible, saying Larkin might still be with Detroit through the new year and that a trade could happen “next off-season.”
Coach Mark Comment
If Larkin reports to camp, Detroit’s staff should keep the focus on his on-ice role and the standards expected across the room. Clear routines and consistent communication can help limit distraction while management determines whether any offer meets its need for immediate help.
IHM Final View
The cautious conclusion is that Dylan Larkin is likely to remain a Detroit Red Wing at the turn of 2027, though his longer-term future remains open. Minnesota was identified as the most likely landing spot, but Detroit’s demand for immediate help and the Wild’s limited trade resources make any near-term move uncertain. Detroit’s next general manager and the offers available will shape what follows.