Dylan Larkin, Jason Robertson futures are big unanswered questions following NHL Draft

The 2026 NHL Draft wrapped up on Saturday, and while there were plenty of big trades in the week leading up to it, some of the biggest stories involve the players that did not get moved. 

So let's take a look at three of the biggest player questions that remain across the NHL as the offseason continues to take shape.

1. Steve Yzerman is playing hardball with Dylan Larkin

Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin was one of the prominent players to request a trade this offseason, and general manager Steve Yzerman seems determined to play hardball with him.

Yzerman publicly acknowledged Larkin's request on Saturday and confirmed that his agent offered a "short list" of teams he would be willing to be traded to. While Yzerman did not specify which teams are on the list, it is believed that the Minnesota Wild and Florida Panthers were among the teams included.

While it seems that Yzerman is indeed working to find a solution, he said on Saturday that he could not make any guarantees that the request will be met. 

From NHL.com:

“My job as the manager of the Detroit Red Wings is always to do what is in the best interest of the Detroit Red Wings, and I will act accordingly to that,” Yzerman said. “I cannot make any guarantees, or did not make any guarantees, that that request could or would be met.”

Larkin is the Red Wings' longest-tenured player and has grown increasingly frustrated with the lack of progress during the team's seemingly endless rebuild. 

Despite Yzerman's comments and lack of promise, it is probably in the Red Wings' best interest to find a solution here before the season begins. You can't go into an important season with a disgruntled captain who does not want to be there. 

It is just a matter of when Yzerman can get a return he deems acceptable for one of his best players. 

2. Jason Robertson's contract demands might be scaring teams off

It seems as if a trade involving Dallas Stars restricted free agent Jason Robertson is not a matter of when, but if, as the two sides have been unable to hammer out a contract extension.

General manager Jim Nill confirmed on Saturday that a trade was in fact worked out with the Seattle Kraken, but that everything fell through when Robertson made it clear he would not sign an extension there.

Now there seems to be some concern among prospective teams that they also will not be able to get the superstar winger signed, which could be scaring them off when it comes to getting involved in trade talks.

Robertson is one of the league's best players and a restricted free agent, but he could potentially be eligible for unrestricted free agency next summer without a contract extension. Understandably, teams might be nervous about giving up the assets that would be required to trade for him without the promise of a long-term deal. 

Is there a team that Robertson wants to sign with that can get a trade moving?

Is there a chance of an offer sheet next week when free agency begins?

Does Robertson go to arbitration with the Stars, play out this season, and then go to the unrestricted free agent market next summer?

Or do the Stars budge on their limit with Robertson, offer him more money, and get him signed?

There are still a lot of paths this can take. 

3. Vincent Trocheck is still a New York Ranger

When the Rangers said they were going to re-tool their roster at the trade deadline, it was assumed that center Vincent Trocheck would be one of the players eventually moved. Especially given the lack of centers on the free agent market.

So far, he remains in New York.

Now that the Rangers added Pavel Dorofeyev this offseason and signed him long-term, it is worth wondering if they are going to try to compete this season and be inspired to keep Trocheck.

That might not be the best action for the Rangers. They are not close to being a contender, and Trocheck might be a wildly valuable trade chip given his position and team-friendly contract.