Devils and Avalanche Among Suitors as Dylan Larkin Sits Out for Detroit Trade

Detroit Red Wings forward Dylan Larkin has stepped out of the lineup and will sit out until the organization finalizes a trade to send him to a contender, his agent Pat Brisson confirmed. The decision crystallized Thursday when the veteran was held out of Detroit's matchup against the Chicago Blackhawks due to trade-related developments. Both the New Jersey Devils and Colorado Avalanche have emerged as approved destinations on the center's expanded trade list as front offices across the league attempt to assemble viable packages.

"Dylan’s had enough of the situation," Brisson stated regarding the decision to step away while trade discussions intensify. "We believe he’s been very professional and cooperative through this process." Larkin originally requested a trade during the offseason after Detroit failed to reach the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the 10th consecutive year. That summer turmoil eventually triggered front office restructuring in Detroit, where Steve Yzerman stepped down as general manager and Shawn Horcoff took over management duties.

Larkin possesses a full no-trade clause in the eight-year, $69.6 million contract he signed with Detroit, which carries an average annual value of $8.7 million through the 2030-31 campaign. While the 30-year-old Michigan native initially named only three franchises he would agree to join—the Florida Panthers, Minnesota Wild, and Vegas Golden Knights—he has since widened his parameters. His revised list features 10 potential destinations, adding the Colorado Avalanche, New Jersey Devils, Carolina Hurricanes, Dallas Stars, Tampa Bay Lightning, Washington Capitals, and Utah Mammoth.

Despite having his offseason trade request unresolved, Larkin initially reported to training camp, though the organization opted to strip him of his captaincy before opening night. Through 10 games this season, the 2014 first-round draft pick managed two goals and four assists for six points on a mediocre Detroit squad. With trade discussions advancing between the Red Wings and interested suitors, Larkin and his representation opted to cease playing to avoid injury and facilitate a transfer.

For the Devils, pursuit of Larkin aligns with general manager Sunny Mehta's stated aggressive approach to roster building. New Jersey recently finalized a blockbuster trade with the Winnipeg Jets to acquire star goaltender Connor Hellebuyck. During Hellebuyck's introductory press conference, Mehta signaled his desire to continue dealing, declaring, "We're never done. We're never done." Adding another high-profile American star alongside Hellebuyck and Jack Hughes remains high on New Jersey's priority list.

To entice Detroit, the Devils hold valuable trade capital, including two first-round picks in the 2027 draft and prized defensive prospect Anton Silaev. A towering shutdown blueliner, Silaev could serve as an appealing replacement for Simon Edvinsson, who has also experienced friction with Detroit and requested a trade. While New Jersey could explore using young winger Arseny Gritsyuk—who has posted six goals and four assists in 13 games—or bottom-six forwards, Larkin's two-way ability would provide the Devils elite forward versatility and playoff depth alongside Hughes and Nico Hischier.

Competition for Larkin's services remains fierce, however, as contenders like the Avalanche and Minnesota Wild actively monitor the market. Reports indicate Minnesota has been especially aggressive in attempting to land the center, while clubs such as the Washington Capitals and Buffalo Sabres possess the young centers Detroit might covet in a rebuild. With Larkin officially out of action in Detroit, negotiations among interested franchises are expected to accelerate rapidly.