Apr 13, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; Detroit Red Wings center Dylan Larkin (71) warms up before a game against the Tampa Bay Lightning at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
Apr 13, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; Detroit Red Wings center Dylan Larkin (71) warms up before a game against the Tampa Bay Lightning at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
The back-to-back champions seem insistent on reigniting their dynasty by adding a franchise player to their books.
Following their 2024 and 2025 Stanley Cup triumphs, the Florida Panthers are reportedly targeting Dylan Larkin of the Detroit Red Wings.
Speaking on the 32 Thoughts podcast, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman suspects that Florida has already sent its best offer to Detroit.
The proposed package reportedly includes the Panthers’ 2026 first-round draft pick, currently projected to be the ninth overall selection, and other assets.
Apr 7, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Red Wings center Dylan Larkin (71) gets set to face off Columbus Blue Jackets center Charlie Coyle (3) in the second period at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
Apr 7, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Red Wings center Dylan Larkin (71) gets set to face off Columbus Blue Jackets center Charlie Coyle (3) in the second period at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
NHL insider David Pagnotta fanned the flames, reporting that trade talks involving Larkin are gaining momentum.
“Trade talks involving Detroit Red Wings centre Dylan Larkin are picking up, and it appears at least one offer is already on the table for the Wings captain,” he reported.
The 29-year-old is under a $69.6 million contract through the 2030-31 season. His $8.7 million annual salary-cap hit means the Panthers will have to explore a retention scenario or move salaries.
But the interest makes sense for the Florida Panthers. Having missed the playoffs in 2025-26, they want to regain their footing and compete for another championship.
Adding a top-line center like Larkin would strengthen their roster and help them return to contender status. The Detroit captain recorded 34 goals and 67 points this season, with 20 minutes of ice time.
The stat line aligns with his numbers from recent years.
Notably, Florida is one of the teams Larkin would be willing to join, and his no-trade clause gives him control over such moves.
However, the center's availability hasn't gone unnoticed.
Panthers Face Competition as Market Expands
While the Florida Panthers may currently be one of the leading teams in the race, they are not the only club interested in Dylan Larkin.
The Vegas Golden Knights and Minnesota Wild are also among his preferred destinations. However, his trade request has also generated interest from the Dallas Stars, Utah Mammoth, and San Jose Sharks.
For GM Steve Yzerman and the Detroit Red Wings, the decision will likely come down to long-term value. Detroit has missed the playoffs for several years, and Yzerman is focused on building a strong future through draft picks and top prospects.
The franchise currently has no first-round picks. Reports suggest those struggles helped push Dylan Larkin toward wanting a fresh start.
Having tasted gold with Team USA and entering the prime of his career, the center appears eager to join a team with a chance to compete for the Stanley Cup.
What do you think? Could Florida’s pursuit of Larkin change the future of both franchises over the next few seasons?
Read more at the NHL Fan Central.
Written by
Kapil Manghnani
Edited by
Sijo Paul