6 Early Frontrunners in the Dylan Larkin Trade Sweepstakes

Beyond Minnesota, several Western Conference teams are also emerging as early frontrunners. The Dallas Stars are said to be a team to watch. Dallas could become even more relevant depending on future contract decisions elsewhere, specifically with Jason Robertson. If he isn’t signed (rumored to be asking for upwards of $14 million), the Stars might look to make a trade.

The Vegas Golden Knights are another early speculative fit. David Pagnotta noted Larkin’s connection with Jack Eichel as a potential factor that could make Vegas an appealing destination if they choose to engage more aggressively. So too, the Golden Knights are in on every big name, and their current run in the playoffs will virtually guarantee that Larkin at least considers them.

Back in the east, the Tampa Bay Lightning are also being monitored closely. Despite their cap constraints, their continued desire to compete at the highest level keeps them in the conversation.

Other teams are hovering just outside the top tier of early interest. Pierre LeBrun pointed to clubs like the Los Angeles Kings and Montreal Canadiens as logical fits based on roster needs, while the Philadelphia Flyers have also been mentioned as a team doing background work on the situation. Mike Sielski writes, “A couple of sources confirmed to me yesterday that the Flyers are interested in trading for Red Wings star Dylan Larkin. The question Danny Briere has to answer is the obvious one: What would they have to give up to get him? …

Larkin holds a no-trade clause and significant control over his future, and Detroit is under no pressure to rush a decision. In fact, one source said that GM Steve Yzerman might turn to Larkin and tell him that if he’s going to request a trade, the least he can do is expand his list of landing spots.

For now, early indications suggest a small group of teams is already separating itself as the most serious contenders in what could become one of the summer’s defining storylines.