The hockey world was shocked on Thursday (Jun. 4) afternoon when Elliotte Friedman revealed that Dylan Larkin had requested a trade from the Detroit Red Wings. The long-time captain of the Red Wings didn't seem to reveal a reason why he wanted to be traded, just that he is ready to move on.
In the article, Friedman writes: "According to multiple sources, Dylan Larkin recently requested a trade from Detroit."
Friedman continued: "There’s a lot to unpack here. First, should mention that no one would comment. Not Larkin, not agent Pat Brisson, not Red Wings Executive Vice-President & GM Steve Yzerman. Second, Larkin’s involvement in the trade market is massive. He has a full no-trade clause both this season and next, so his control over the situation does not change July 1. He’s a top-line centre in a league desperate for centres, so there’s going to be a ton of interest. His play at the 4 Nations and Olympics was stellar. That’s going to excite potential trade partners."
Friedman mentioned that nobody around the situation was speaking more about it, and told fans to buckle up between now and the draft.
Insert the Washington Capitals, who will be looking to find a way to get back into the playoffs next season, and seem poised to make a big splash this offseason, and could be a perfect fit for Larkin.
Larkin, who is 29 years old, scored 34 goals and added 33 assists for 67 points through 74 games last season. Throughout his 808-game career, he has scored 276 goals and added 367 assists for 643 points.
There has been some loose speculation that the Capitals are willing to part with some of their current core to make moves to improve their roster, and if that is truly the case, they should look to find a way to land Larkin.
There will be plenty of teams in on Larkin, but the Capitals have the assets to try and make a deal work, and would benefit from some extra veteran presence in their lineup. Larkin adds a solid two-way game, solid offensive production, and leadership off the ice that will all be important to a team trying to contend.
He could step into the Capitals' lineup as their immediate first-line centre, and if Alex Ovechkin decides he's ready to hang up his skates, he could be the perfect player to plug into their lineup and start a new era and replace their, what could be, former captain.
Just like Friedman alluded to, this will be something to watch between now and the 2026 NHL Draft.
