Red Wings: Could a Dylan Larkin Trade ever be Possible?

Detroit Red Wings forward Dylan Larkin’s name has come up from time to time in trade rumors. He finished the season on the inured list but reports from Larkin indicate that he should be ready to start training sometime this month.

Despite the fact that Larkin had another down year, should general manager Steve Yzerman entertain trade offers for his captain, knowing that Yzerman will certainly listen in on any deal?

Reasons Larkin could be Traded

Dylan Larkin is an enticing trade option for teams trying to make a deep playoff run.  He is a terrific skater, team leader, can play anywhere in the lineup, plays a 200 foot game, and is only turning 25 this summer.

Here are some reasons Detroit should trade Dylan Larkin.

• He has two years remaining on his contract before he becomes an Unrestricted Free Agent (UFA).
• His cap hit is $6.1 million annually.
• On a playoff team, he would be the number 2 or 3 center.
• The return for Larkin could be tremendous for the re-build.
• Detroit will not be a serious playoff team until he is past his prime.
• He is no longer viewed as an elite center.
• He has only played in one playoff series during his six year career.

Reasons to keep Larkin

Dylan Larkin is viewed by management as the leader in the dressing room.  He was named the 37th captain in Detroit Red Wings history.  Should Yzerman keep Larkin around and try to build a playoff team around him?

Here are some reasons Detroit should keep Larkin.

• He is currently the #1 center and the best forward on the Red Wings.
• He plays on the power play, kills penalties and takes a regular shift every game.
• He has two years remaining on his current contract.
• The Red Wings may get more for him before next season’s trade deadline.
• He loves playing for Detroit and is a Michigan native.
• He is a terrific skater and today’s NHL requires his speed.
• Trading Larkin after an injury and a down season is risky.

Possible Trade Scenarios

William Nylander (TOR)

The Toronto Maple Leafs are desperate to shed salary in order to stay under the cap.  Trading Nylander to Detroit makes sense for both teams.  It provides over $800,000 in cap relief for Toronto and gives Detroit an elite right-shot winger in return.  Nylander is also under contract for three more years before he can become an UFA.  Detroit can the make a run at a true number one center like Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (EDM) or Gabriel Landeskog (COL) during the free agency period.

Seth Jones

Rumors throughout NHL circles indicate that Columbus is actively shopping Seth Jones.  Jones would instantly become Detroit’s top defenseman.  He only has one year remaining on his $5.4 million contract before he becomes an UFA.  Steve Yzerman would only make this deal if Jones is signed and traded to the Red Wings.  This scenario may also have to include Filip Hronek to Columbus or a draft pick.

Final Thoughts

The month of July is quickly approaching when the NHL will see the Expansion Draft, Entry Draft and Free Agency.  Steve Yzerman and the management team will be very busy exploring options to build their team for the future.  All options are on the table for the Red Wings and anything can happen once the NHL playoffs have concluded.