Story Summary
The Detroit Red Wings are reportedly managing two consequential player situations at once: Dylan Larkin has expanded the list of teams to which he would accept a move, while Simon Edvinsson’s future remains unresolved ahead of a December 1 deadline.
Elliotte Friedman said Larkin’s wider list indicated that the Detroit forward is attempting to facilitate a trade, but stressed that the central obstacle is the return Detroit would demand. Friedman added that the club appear to be finding it difficult to persuade Edvinsson to play for them again, describing both players as long-term cornerstones Detroit had hoped to retain.
Detroit’s preference is reportedly still to sign Edvinsson, while its interest in a Larkin return has continued to centre on young centres. Some of the centres being considered may not yet be in the NHL. Neither a Larkin trade nor an Edvinsson departure has been confirmed.
Key Facts
- Dylan Larkin has reportedly expanded the list of teams to which he would be willing to be traded by the Detroit Red Wings.
- Elliotte Friedman said Larkin’s expanded list suggested that the forward was trying to help complete a move.
- Friedman said Detroit’s desired return would be the principal challenge in any Larkin trade.
- Friedman said Detroit appear to be struggling to convince Simon Edvinsson to play for the club again.
- Detroit reportedly still prefer to sign Edvinsson despite the unresolved situation.
- Reportedly, Detroit have consistently sought a centre in any potential Larkin trade and are examining young-centre options.
- A December 1 deadline is reported to be approaching in the Edvinsson situation.
- Larkin is continuing to play for Detroit and had previously been hurt, according to Friedman.
IHM Discussion
This is less a straightforward trade discussion than a pressure test of Detroit’s ability to protect value in two separate negotiations. Larkin’s willingness to widen his acceptable destinations can create more possible routes to a deal, but it does not automatically produce the return the Red Wings want. Friedman’s point was that Detroit are entitled to seek a substantial package for a player of Larkin’s standing, yet may find it difficult to secure that price.
The Edvinsson file carries a different kind of urgency. The reported preference to sign him means Detroit are not necessarily approaching the matter as a desire to trade a defenceman. However, Friedman’s assessment that the relationship does not appear to be thawing leaves the club needing to prepare for alternatives while time remains before December 1.
The two cases should not be treated as interchangeable. A Larkin transaction would involve an established NHL forward who is still playing for Detroit; the reported Edvinsson issue concerns whether the club can reach an agreement with a player it would prefer to retain. What links them is the risk that Detroit must negotiate from a less comfortable position if other teams believe time or circumstance is working against them.
Why It Matters
Larkin and Edvinsson are described as players Detroit had expected to be cornerstones for a long time. That makes the prospect of movement significant beyond any individual transaction: the return, or a successful resolution, would shape how much certainty the Red Wings retain around key parts of their roster.
The reported focus on young centres in a Larkin deal also reveals the type of asset Detroit may value most. A centre who is not yet in the league would represent a longer-term investment rather than immediate NHL certainty, so Detroit would need to judge potential carefully against the proven value of Larkin. With Edvinsson, the approaching deadline means the club must continue laying groundwork without assuming a new contract can still be reached.
IHM Market Outlook
The significant issue is whether interested clubs can meet Detroit’s reported asking price without the Red Wings compromising on the quality of the return.
Detroit’s reported search for young centres narrows the likely shape of its evaluation. It does not confirm that an NHL-ready centre is required, nor does it identify a preferred target, but it suggests the club is looking for an important asset at the position rather than simply collecting short-term value.
Mini Q&A
Has Dylan Larkin been traded by Detroit?
No. Larkin has reportedly expanded the list of teams to which he would accept a move, but no trade has been confirmed.
What is Detroit reportedly seeking in a Larkin deal?
Detroit have reportedly continued to seek a centre in a Larkin trade, with some young-centre options said to be under consideration.
What is the latest on Simon Edvinsson?
Detroit reportedly still prefer to sign Edvinsson, but Friedman said the club appear to be finding it difficult to convince him to play for them again before a reported December 1 deadline.
What Comes Next
The immediate checkpoint is the reported December 1 deadline in the Edvinsson situation. Detroit will also continue to assess the market around Larkin as the forward’s expanded list creates additional potential destinations, while no completed trade has been announced.
IHM Final View
Detroit’s reported dual-track challenge is not simply finding willing partners. It is preserving leverage while trying to secure returns worthy of two players viewed as central to the club’s plans. Larkin’s wider trade list may help create options, but it does not settle the valuation question. Edvinsson’s approaching deadline adds a separate, time-sensitive negotiation that Detroit would reportedly still prefer to resolve with a contract.