The future of Dylan Larkin with the Detroit Red Wings is becoming a big topic of discussion around the NHL, with another team now linked to him. Larkin has played his entire career in Detroit, but trade talks have increased after reports said he may be open to a new opportunity.

Larkin has added the Dallas Stars to the list of teams he would consider joining. The news has created interest because Dallas is looking to improve its roster while staying in the race for the Stanley Cup.

However, a possible trade will not be easy because of Detroit’s high asking price. According to MLive’s Ansar Khan, the Red Wings wanted 23-year-old centre Wyatt Johnston as the main return from Dallas. 

According to Bill Scott of NHL Trade Rumor, the Stars quickly rejected the idea because Johnston has become one of their most important young players.

Johnston had a huge 2025-26 season, scoring 45 goals and 86 points in 82 games. Larkin also had a strong year, finishing with 34 goals and 67 points in 74 games. 

While Larkin is still a proven top-line centre, Johnston’s young age, strong performance, and team-friendly contract make him very hard for Dallas to trade.

Detroit’s stance shows that general manager Steve Yzerman does not want to trade his captain for a package of uncertain players or draft picks. The Red Wings want a return that can replace Larkin’s value and help keep their top line strong.

Why a Dylan Larkin trade to Dallas remains difficult

Larkin would give the Stars another top centre and bring speed, leadership, and playoff experience to an already strong team. His ability to play against tough opponents and help in different situations would make him a valuable addition alongside players like Roope Hintz, Mikko Rantanen, and Johnston.

However, Dallas already has good depth at centre, so the team does not have an urgent need to make a big trade. The main issue is not salary cap space but the gap between Larkin’s value and the type of return Detroit wants.

The same NHL Trade Rumor report said a possible Larkin trade would likely need Dallas to offer a young NHL player, a strong prospect, and valuable draft picks.

Since Johnston is unlikely to be part of the deal, the Stars would need to create another offer that gives Detroit the immediate help it wants.

Larkin’s contract gives the Red Wings more control in trade talks. They can wait for the right offer instead of accepting a weaker return. Although Dallas has shown interest, making a big trade happen will not be easy.

A deal is still possible if both teams change their expectations, but Detroit and Dallas seem far apart right now. What do you think? Will the Stars find another way to trade for Dylan Larkin, or will the Red Wings keep their captain for the 2026-27 season?

Read more at the NHL Fan Central.

Written by

Kapil Manghnani

Kapil Manghnani brings over 4.5 years of experience in sports journalism, covering a wide range of sports, including Soccer, NHL, Tennis, Gymnastics, NASCAR, Swimming, and more. He has written for leading sports platforms, producing everything from breaking news and features to in-depth analysis, opinion pieces, long-form stories, and short-form content. Beyond articles, he has also scripted long-form storytelling videos for YouTube channels. His work focuses on delivering well-researched, engaging, and reader-first sports content across multiple formats.

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Edited by

Kaamna Dwivedi