Larkin Trade Request Narrows Red Wings Options Amid Knies and Thomas Rumors

Dylan Larkin submitted his trade request seven days before the June 9 report listed the Minnesota Wild among four potential destinations holding $12.7 million in cap space.

Larkin’s Limited Destinations

Steve Yzerman now faces a shortened list that reduces his leverage in any deal for the $8.7 million AAV captain. The report notes that Larkin’s preferences could expand or shift, yet the current constraints leave the Red Wings GM with few viable partners.

The Minnesota Wild hold sufficient room to absorb Larkin’s cap hit and could include future first-round picks plus forward Danila Yurov or prospects Charlie Stramel, Hunter Haight or Adam Benak. Michael Russo of The Athletic assessed whether the Wild would also need to surrender an established roster player.

The Vegas Golden Knights lack a first-round pick in 2026 and maintain a shallow prospect pool, creating immediate obstacles despite $12.7 million in available space. Their willingness to offer young right winger Pavel Dorofeyev stems from the risk of losing him via offer sheet this summer.

The Florida Panthers possess more than $15 million in projected cap space for the 2026-27 season. George Richards of Florida Hockey Now highlighted GM Bill Zito’s history of aggressive moves and speculated that a package could center on Anton Lundell along with Mackie Samoskevich or Sandis Valmanis.

Knies Deadline Miss

Toronto nearly completed a trade sending Matthew Knies to Montreal at the March 6 deadline. The package would have returned prospect Alexander Zharovsky, a second prospect and two first-round draft picks to the Maple Leafs.

The deal collapsed because the paperwork arrived one minute after the 3 p.m. ET cutoff. Elliotte Friedman confirmed on Sportsnet that the Canadiens may still want Knies, but new Toronto management has removed the possibility of revisiting the transaction.

Thomas Off the Market

Robert Thomas appeared in trade speculation throughout the deadline period. Andy Strickland reported on June 5 that the St. Louis Blues have no intention of moving their first-line center.

The Blues expect Thomas to be in camp when training opens in September, locking the 26-year-old into the lineup for the 2026-27 season.