A three-way trade for Dylan Larkin gains steam after Minnesota requires help
Photo credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
Dylan Larkin isn't just a Minnesota Wild problem anymore.
According to Michael Russo and Joe Smith of The Athletic, it's going to take a third team for the Wild to get a deal done with Detroit, since Minnesota doesn't have the trade chips the Red Wings covet.
"It feels like, at this point, it's going to take a third team to get involved for the Wild to get a Dylan Larkin deal done since they don't have the trade assets/chips the Red Wings covet."
- Michael Russo and Joe Smith
- Michael Russo and Joe Smith
Larkin's expanded no-trade list now reportedly includes Florida, Dallas, Tampa Bay, Vegas, Utah, Anaheim and Los Angeles, not just the Wild.
Why Minnesota's leverage problem isn't really about assets
Steve Yzerman doesn't need to force a deal with Bill Guerin specifically when six or seven other teams are circling the same player.
Larkin has five years left on a contract carrying an $8.7 million cap hit, and Yzerman has said publicly he's under no obligation to move fast.
That patience only makes sense if Detroit believes better offers exist elsewhere, which is exactly what a crowded trade-request list signals.
The third-team requirement isn't really about Minnesota's farm system being thin, it's about Minnesota negotiating from the back of a long line.
What this means for Guerin's summer
Larkin posted 67 points and 34 goals in 74 games this season, and his last five games before the playoffs showed nine points, proof he's not fading at 29.
If Guerin wants in, he likely needs a third team willing to take on money just to get a seat at the table Detroit already has plenty of options for.
Until Minnesota separates itself from that pack, this stays exactly what Detroit wants it to be: leverage.
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