Detroit Can Be Patient in Larkin Trade Market

Detroit may not be forced to trade Dylan Larkin soon, even after a report suggested a deal could happen within a week or two. Larkin still has five seasons left on his contract with an $8.7 million cap hit, so the Red Wings can wait for a favorable return. If Minnesota is the primary suitor, Detroit could use the Wild's greater urgency to its advantage.

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Detroit’s position is strengthened by Larkin’s contract: five seasons remain on an eight-year, $69.6 million deal, with an $8.7 million cap charge through 2030-31. That term removes any immediate pressure to accept a lesser offer, even after ESPN’s John Buccigross said on Oct. 16 that a trade might arrive in roughly a week to 10 days.

Minnesota’s urgency stems partly from Quinn Hughes, who is entering the last year of a six-year, $47.1 million contract and can reach unrestricted