Dylan Larkin Expands Trade List to 10 Teams as Red Wings Face Difficult Decision
Detroit’s former captain has reportedly widened his preferred destinations, but finding a trade that helps the Red Wings win now remains a major obstacle.
DETROIT — October 20, 2026 — The Detroit Red Wings may have more options to trade Dylan Larkin, but that doesn’t mean a deal is getting any easier.
According to Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press, Larkin has expanded his list of acceptable trade destinations from three teams to 10 as his request to leave Detroit remains unresolved.
The development creates a wider market for the 30-year-old center, who requested a trade following the 2025–26 season.
However, the Red Wings reportedly remain focused on acquiring established NHL talent in return rather than building a package around prospects and future draft selections.
Ten Teams Now in Play
Larkin’s reported list includes:
Florida Panthers
Minnesota Wild
Vegas Golden Knights
Dallas Stars
Washington Capitals
Carolina Hurricanes
Utah Mammoth
Tampa Bay Lightning
New Jersey Devils
Colorado Avalanche
Florida, Minnesota and Vegas were reportedly his original preferred destinations.
The expansion gives Detroit additional opportunities to negotiate, although none of the teams has reportedly presented an offer that meets the organization’s needs.
Notably, the Montreal Canadiens are not among the 10 teams despite recent speculation connecting Larkin to Montreal.
Detroit Wants Players Who Can Help Immediately
This is where the situation becomes complicated.
The Red Wings aren’t simply trying to accumulate future assets. Detroit reportedly wants players who can contribute immediately, particularly someone capable of helping replace Larkin’s production at center.
That is a difficult request for teams hoping to acquire Larkin to strengthen their own championship chances.
A multi-team trade could become necessary if Detroit cannot obtain the right pieces directly from one of Larkin’s preferred destinations.
Interim general manager Shawn Horcoff faces a difficult assignment: respect Larkin’s request without sacrificing Detroit’s ability to compete.
A Difficult Situation for the Organization
Larkin’s trade request has already contributed to a period of significant change in Detroit.
Steve Yzerman was removed as general manager in July, with Horcoff later taking over on an interim basis.
The Red Wings also began the 2026–27 season without a captain after Larkin acknowledged the consequences of requesting a trade while holding that position.
Despite the uncertainty, Larkin remains on Detroit’s roster and has continued playing.
He entered Tuesday with one goal and three points through six games this season.
MCSN Take: Detroit Cannot Afford to Lose This Trade
Expanding the list to 10 teams is significant, but it shouldn’t pressure Detroit into accepting a disappointing return.
Larkin is still one of the Red Wings’ most important players. Moving him without securing a legitimate replacement could leave the organization with an even bigger problem down the middle.
The Red Wings have already spent a decade outside the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Another move that pushes meaningful progress further into the future would be difficult to justify.
At the same time, keeping a player who has made his desire to leave clear creates its own challenges.
Detroit needs to find a resolution, but it needs to be the right resolution.
The bottom line: Ten potential destinations create more opportunities. They don’t guarantee a good trade.
For Horcoff and the Red Wings, the challenge is finding a deal that makes Detroit better rather than simply moving on from an uncomfortable situation.
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