Story Summary
Elliotte Friedman said on the 32 Thoughts podcast that Dylan Larkin’s list of acceptable trade destinations is larger than earlier reports suggested. He said the list was initially reported as three teams – Vegas, Minnesota and Florida – but now appears to be closer to eight, with Colorado, Washington, Dallas and Tampa among the clubs he mentioned or suggested. Friedman added that Larkin is looking to join a U.S. team where he believes he can win.
Chris Johnston said Larkin has started skating with the Detroit Red Wings and is working his way back to playing. Johnston believes a move remains possible later this season, although not in the immediate future.
Key Facts
- Elliotte Friedman said Dylan Larkin’s trade list is bigger than first reported and he estimates it is ” somewhere around eight.”
- Friedman said the list was initially reported as three teams: Vegas, Minnesota and Florida.
- Friedman named or suggested other teams on Larkin’s list: Colorado, Washington, Dallas and Tampa.
- Friedman said he does not think Larkin would go to Canada and that Larkin wants to go to U.S. teams ” where he thinks he can win.”
- On The Chris Johnston Show, Chris Johnston said Larkin ” started skating with the Red Wings in the last day, and is working his way back to playing.”
- Johnston said Larkin is still a member of the Detroit Red Wings and that he is ” likely moved at some point this season,” though not expected” in the very near term.”
- The report suggested that an eventual deal with one of the named contenders could require a more complicated transaction.
IHM Discussion
Friedman’s update broadens the reported range of destinations for Larkin. His estimate of a list closer to eight teams, rather than the three initially reported, potentially gives Detroit more avenues to explore if a trade develops.
The key distinction is that the names remain part of reported trade-list speculation, not confirmed negotiations. Johnston’s update that Larkin is skating with Detroit keeps the immediate focus on his return to action, while leaving open the possibility of a move later in the season.
Why It Matters
Larkin’s preference for U.S. teams he believes can win provides a clear lens for assessing the reported destinations. A wider acceptable list could create more options for Detroit, but it does not establish that any particular club is pursuing a deal.
For the Red Wings, Larkin’s availability to skate is the immediate on-ice development. Any trade timetable remains uncertain.
IHM Market Outlook
A reported list of around eight acceptable destinations gives Detroit more potential trade paths than an initial three-team group. It may improve flexibility, but it does not reveal which clubs are willing or able to make an offer.
Friedman’s view that the destination pool is centred on U.S. teams is an important limitation on any eventual market. Johnston’s expectation of no imminent move also points to a situation that may develop gradually.
Mini Q&A
How many teams does Elliotte Friedman say are on Dylan Larkin’s list?
Friedman said Larkin’s list is ” somewhere around eight,” larger than the three teams initially reported.
Which teams were initially reported as Larkin’s choices?
The list was initially reported as three teams: Vegas, Minnesota and Florida.
Which additional teams did Friedman name or suggest are on Larkin’s list?
Friedman mentioned or suggested Colorado, Washington, Dallas and Tampa as additional teams on the list.
Does Friedman think Larkin would go to a Canadian team?
Friedman said he does not think Larkin would go to Canada and that Larkin prefers U.S. teams.
Is Dylan Larkin still with the Detroit Red Wings?
Yes. Chris Johnston said Larkin ” started skating with the Red Wings in the last day, and is working his way back to playing,” and that he remains a member of the Detroit Red Wings.
When could a trade happen, according to the reporting?
Chris Johnston said he believes Larkin could be moved at some point this season, but did not expect that to happen in the very near term.
Coach Mark Comment
The immediate priority is getting Larkin back to full skating and game readiness. If a trade eventually materialises, the acquiring club will need a clear plan for how his centre role complements its existing group.
What Comes Next
Larkin’s progress back to game action is the next immediate development to watch. Any movement on his trade request appears unlikely in the very near term, according to Johnston.
IHM Final View
Friedman’s update expands the reported list of possible destinations for Dylan Larkin, with the focus remaining on U.S. teams he believes can win. Larkin is skating with Detroit as he works his way back to playing, while Johnston does not expect an immediate trade. The situation remains unsettled rather than close to resolution.