Yzerman holds firm on Larkin price as summer deadline nears

Dylan Larkin submitted his three-team trade request nearly a month ago and remains with the Detroit Red Wings as of June 30.

Yzerman sets non-negotiable return bar

Detroit general manager Steve Yzerman confirmed on June 27 that Larkin contacted the team shortly after the season ended and followed up with a short list of acceptable destinations. Yzerman stated he would act only in the franchise’s best interest and offered no guarantee the request would be granted.

Larkin, 29, holds five years remaining on the eight-year, $69.9 million contract signed March 1, 2023, at an $8.7 million annual average value. That length removes any immediate pressure to trade him before July 1 free agency.

The Minnesota Wild have stayed in regular contact through general manager Bill Guerin and Larkin’s agent Pat Brisson. Reports indicate the Wild would offer multiple first-round picks plus prospects Charlie Stramel and Danila Yurov.

Yzerman’s price exceeds that package and requires at least one established young NHL center in return. Florida and Vegas have stayed out of discussions due to salary-cap constraints and insufficient assets.

Larkin’s limited options shrink further

Larkin’s full no-trade clause gives him veto power through the 2026-27 season, limiting Detroit to his original three teams. No movement has occurred since the request surfaced in early June.

If Larkin refuses to expand the list, Yzerman can retain the captain without consequence. Historical precedent shows the general manager has held out for top returns in prior deals rather than accepting lesser value.

The absence of bidding from other contenders leaves Larkin with a binary choice: add destinations or accept another season in Detroit. Neither the Panthers nor Golden Knights possess the cap space or centers needed to match Detroit’s demands.

Summer timeline leaves little room for movement

The NHL buyout window closed June 30 with no reported action involving Larkin. Free agency begins July 1, after which any trade would occur against a different roster-construction backdrop.

Wild interest remains the only active thread, yet the gap between offered assets and Yzerman’s requirements has not narrowed in three weeks of talks. Larkin therefore faces the prospect of reporting to training camp still under contract to Detroit.

Unless new teams enter the market or Larkin widens his list, the 2026 offseason will conclude without a trade. The five-year term and high asking price together anchor the captain in place for at least the immediate future.