New NHL Rumors on Dylan Larkin's Wish List for Trade Landing Spot Ahead of 2026 Draft, Free Agency

While veteran forward Detroit Red Wings would prefer a move away from the Detroit Red Wings, his limited wish list could be a hindrance toward that pursuit.

The Detroit Free Press' Helene St. James reported Monday that Larkin is believed to be willing to waive his no-trade clause for a move to the Florida Panthers, Vegas Golden Knights or Minnesota Wild.

St. James also cited the New York Islanders, Anaheim Ducks and Tampa Bay Lightning as plausible options, but that might require some convincing on Detroit's part.

Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reported last week that Larkin requested a trade.

"Because no one will talk, we can only guess at the rationale, but there appear to be two critical factors: Detroit's inability to make the playoffs, and a somewhat frosty relationship between the captain and the team's top hockey executive (Steve Yzerman)," Friedman wrote.

Larkin had 34 goals and 33 assists this season, his fifth straight year with 60-plus points. The 29-year-old is under contract through 2030-31 as well, so he has a long way to go until he's eligible for free agency.

Finding somebody willing to give up a lot of trade capital for Larkin shouldn't be an issue for the Red Wings.

His $8.7 million average annual salary could, however, dissuade some contenders from making an aggressive play, which adds to the challenge his full no-trade clause creates.

Puckpedia projects the Golden Knights to have just $4.6 million in available salary cap space. The Panthers are already paying five forwards (Aleksander Barkov, Matthew Tkachuk, Sam Reinhart, Sam Bennett and Carter Verhaeghe) $7 million or more per year. The Wild have some breathing room ($12.8 million) for right now, but they're likely planning their long-term budget with a Quinn Hughes extension in mind.

Yzerman could have a difficult task on his hands.

Teams further down the pecking order are positioned to make the strongest offers, but Larkin will clearly desire going to a ready-made contender. For a number of reasons, the latter scenario could force Detroit to accept 50 cents on the dollar or less.