Three-team trade involving Nikita Kucherov and Dylan Larkin begins to emerge
Photo credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
The Detroit Red Wings may be closer to a blockbuster than anyone expected. With Nikita Kucherov reportedly requesting a trade out of Tampa Bay, a three-team deal involving Detroit, the Lightning and a mystery partner is suddenly part of the conversation.
The idea took shape because both clubs already share a problem. Dylan Larkin has been suspended without pay in Detroit while he waits for a trade, and Tampa Bay is on his expanded 10-team list.
Then Kucherov reportedly told the Lightning he will not re-sign, creating a second star in limbo.
Where the Lightning and Red Wings Overlap
The Lightning had spoken with Detroit about Larkin before Kucherov's request became public, which raised an obvious question:
Before all this Nikita Kucherov news, the Lightning had talked to Detroit about Dylan Larkin; for argument's sake, is there a world in which Detroit and Tampa Bay can help each other out, perhaps involving a third team?
The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun has floated one version: Tampa Bay moves Kucherov to a third club, the Lightning take on Larkin and Simon Edvinsson from Detroit, and the Red Wings collect major assets from that third team.
Complications abound. Kucherov holds a 10-team trade list, which limits the Lightning's leverage, and Tampa Bay general manager Julien Brisebois has made clear the club has no plans to trade him. Contenders such as Toronto and Vegas have been linked.
What Detroit Stands to Gain
For the Red Wings, the appeal is flexibility. General manager Shawn Horcoff has acknowledged Larkin trade talks, including with teams outside his approved list, and the San Jose Sharks have reportedly made a serious offer for Edvinsson.
Detroit also has reason to be patient, as reports say the club is in no rush to move Larkin.
Montreal has also surfaced, with one hypothetical sending Kucherov to the Canadiens, Larkin to Tampa Bay and Canadiens assets to Detroit.
For now, the Red Wings and Lightning are watching and waiting. If Kucherov's wishes, Tampa Bay's patience and Detroit's asking price ever line up, a three-team blockbuster could reshape the Atlantic Division.
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