The Minnesota Wild have emerged as a serious suitor for Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin, who has publicly asked for a trade and compiled a short list of preferred destinations that includes the Wild, the Florida Panthers and the Vegas Golden Knights.
Trade Capital Constraints
General manager Bill Guerin and president of hockey operations, along with coach John Hynes, have been monitoring Larkin’s value ever since his contributions helped the United States capture gold at the recent Olympics and the 4 Nations Face‑Off, but the team’s ability to strike a deal is hampered by the depletion of its trade assets after the blockbuster acquisition of defenseman Quinn Hughes in December.
Larkin, who still has five years and $8.7 million per season remaining on his contract, shares a close bond with Hughes that has been described as brotherly, a relationship that the Wild hope will work in their favor when negotiating with Detroit.
Prospects and Picks in the Balance
The front office is even exploring the possibility of bringing a third team into the conversation to sweeten an offer that might involve prospect goalie Jesper Wallstedt, the Wild’s top defensive prospect, while also weighing the future value of late‑round first‑round picks and the absence of second‑round selections over the next three years.
Minnesota has ruled out moving top‑two center Joel Eriksson Ek or shutdown defenseman Jonas Brodin, but remains cautious about parting with remaining high‑value chips such as forward prospects Liam Ohgren and defenseman Zeev Buium.
If a deal stalls, the Wild could pivot to veteran forward Vincent Trocheck, a player they pursued heavily at the trade deadline but ultimately passed on when the New York Rangers demanded a price they deemed too steep.