A surprising request from the Red Wings captain
Dylan Larkin, the 27‑year‑old captain of the Detroit Red Wings, has formally asked for a trade, sending a clear signal that his tenure in Detroit may be drawing to a close.
In a meeting with general manager Steve Yzerman, Larkin presented a shortlist of three clubs he would consider moving to: the Minnesota Wild, the Vegas Golden Knights and the Florida Panthers.
Yzerman, who has been overseeing the Red Wings’ rebuild since taking the helm of the front office, responded by urging Larkin to expand the list, indicating that the organization is open to exploring multiple suitors.
Among the teams that have emerged as a serious destination is the Dallas Stars, a franchise that has positioned itself as a legitimate Stanley Cup contender and is reportedly in the market for a top‑line center.
The Stars’ roster already boasts a core of players in their prime, and the coaching staff believes that adding a player of Larkin’s caliber could tip the balance toward a championship run.
Beyond the sporting appeal, the financial dimension adds another layer of intrigue: Texas does not impose a state income tax, meaning Larkin could retain a larger portion of his $8.7 million annual salary compared with a move to a taxed market.
Detroit’s need for a scoring winger could be satisfied by acquiring Jason Robertson, an RFA who is expected to command a contract exceeding $10 million in average annual value, or by turning to Mavrik Bourque, another promising forward.
The Stars’ management, led by general manager Jim Nill, has a track record of orchestrating blockbuster deals, and sources say Nill has already been in dialogue with Yzerman about a potential package that could involve multiple pieces.
One intriguing twist involves Tyler Seguin, a longtime Star who grew up in the Detroit suburbs and still holds a no‑movement clause that could be waived under the right circumstances.
Seguin’s contract will become unrestricted after the 2026‑27 season, and Yzerman is rumored to be offering an additional year on his deal to sweeten the move, while also potentially including goalie Sebastian Cossa as a sweetener.
In net, the Stars will need a reliable backup for Jake Oettinger, and Casey DeSmith, a free agent slated to sign on July 1, is being considered to fill that role.