Full Breakdown
Minnesota Wild Face Hurdles in Pursuing Dylan Larkin
6/13/2026, 9:41:31 PM
Core Trade Talk
Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin, 29, on an eight-year, $8.7 million AAV contract, exercised his full no-trade clause and submitted a three-team list: Florida Panthers, Minnesota Wild and Vegas Golden Knights. The Wild have emerged as a top candidate, attracted by Larkin’s Team USA ties and his desire to join a contender.
Background & Context
Larkin entered the fourth year of his extension in 2023, remaining under contract through 2031. Minnesota’s interest is hampered by the 2023 Quinn Hughes trade, which cost the Wild four first-round picks and left them without a first-rounder this year, with only 2027 and 2028 selections remaining and no second-rounders projected for the next three drafts.
Proposed Trade Packages
- Florida: Anton Lundell (2020 first-rounder, 18 G, 44 P), 2025 ninth-overall pick, 2025 second-round pick, plus goaltender Sebastian Cossa.
- Minnesota: Prospects Charlie Stramel (44 P in 37 collegiate games) and Danila Yurov, plus a 2027 first-round pick.
- Vegas: Pavel Dorofeyev (37 G, 64 P) and Tomas Hertl (58 P, three-year $6.75 M AAV), with the Knights retaining roughly $4.6 M in cap space.
Official Statements & Responses
Bill Guerin noted the Hughes deal depleted Minnesota’s high-value assets, limiting its trade leverage. Detroit GM Steve Yzerman said the Red Wings need “win-now” pieces rather than future picks. Analysts Michael Russo and Joe Smith warned that the Wild lack a first-rounder this year, that their 2027 and 2028 picks may have limited value as likely late selections, and that they have no second-rounders projected for the next three drafts.
Criticism & Opposition
Commentary points out that the Wild must outbid teams with deeper asset pools and that Larkin’s preference for a contender could steer Detroit toward Vegas or Florida. The return of Stramel, Yurov and a single future first-rounder is viewed as insufficient to satisfy the Red Wings.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Detroit has not confirmed any willingness to trade Larkin for the outlined packages, leaving the proposals speculative and the Red Wings’ stance on future versus immediate assets unclear.
Verbatim Quotes
> “The Wild don’t have a first-rounder this year, and while they have theirs in 2027 and 2028, how much value do they carry, especially if they’re likely to be late first-rounders? There are no second-rounders in the next three years, either.” — Michael Russo and Joe Smith, The Athletic
What’s Next
The Wild’s ability to secure Larkin remains uncertain; without a confirmed deal they risk missing out on the center.
