Two teams reportedly looking to acquire Dylan Larkin & Simon Edvinsson in one trade
Photo credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images
The Detroit Red Wings hold two of the hottest trade names in the NHL, and Frank Seravalli believes only two clubs can afford both at once.
Speaking on Sports 1440, the insider pointed to the Utah Mammoth and Montreal Canadiens as the teams equipped to land Simon Edvinsson and Dylan Larkin in one blockbuster.
Seravalli laid out his reasoning in a few quick lines.
To hear them connected to Simon Edvinsson makes a lot of sense. You could plug him into the second pair and improve it. They need to upgrade their defence. They are one of the two team who have the picks, prospects and players who could acquire Edvinsson and Larkin in one trade (MTL is the other).
Why Edvinsson Fits Utah
Edvinsson has told Detroit he prefers a trade over an extension, even as the Red Wings insist signing him remains their top priority.
That standoff has kept the restricted free agent in the spotlight, with Philadelphia, Seattle and Nashville among the teams reported to have poked around. Seravalli sees Utah as a natural landing spot because a young defenseman of his caliber would upgrade its second pair.
The Larkin Complication
Larkin is the trickier half of the equation. The Detroit captain was booed at the home opener, though owner Chris Ilitch has publicly backed him.
Pierre LeBrun reported that Larkin's list includes ten teams and does not feature Montreal, while Detroit wants help now rather than a futures-only return. Any deal would need Larkin's approval and a package built around NHL-ready talent.
That is why a two-player trade sounds more like a thought experiment than an imminent move. Still, the point carries weight.
Few clubs own the prospect depth and draft capital needed to satisfy Detroit on both fronts, and Seravalli believes Utah and Montreal are the two that do.
Interim GM Shawn Horcoff has options, and a combined deal would move both situations forward at once. Whether Utah or Montreal is willing to pay that price, and whether Larkin would agree to go, will decide if this idea ever becomes reality.
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