yardbarker
The New Jersey Devils have unexpectedly emerged as a potential destination for Detroit Red Wings center Dylan Larkin, whose prolonged wait for a trade has taken a new turn. The Michigan native, who requested a move last summer after more than a decade without playoff hockey, has broadened the range of teams he would approve, and New Jersey is now part of that group, per the Detroit Free Press.
Previously, Larkin’s list was limited to the Florida Panthers, Minnesota Wild, Vegas Golden Knights, and later the Dallas Stars. However, none of those clubs could finalize a deal—Florida and Vegas lacked the necessary assets after prior transactions, while Minnesota and Detroit never found common ground. Consequently, Larkin remained with the Red Wings into the 2026-27 season, even after the organization removed his captaincy and fans booed him at Little Caesars Arena. His image was also taken down from a captains mural in the building. In seven games this season, he has recorded one goal and four assists for a franchise that has missed the postseason for ten consecutive years.
The updated list now includes the Carolina Hurricanes, Colorado Avalanche, Dallas Stars, Tampa Bay Lightning, Utah Mammoth, Washington Capitals, and the Devils, in addition to the original clubs. Each of these teams has been a consistent playoff participant in recent seasons. Larkin, who won Olympic gold with the United States in February, has made it clear he wants a legitimate shot at competing for a Stanley Cup. He has scored at least 30 goals in each of the last five seasons and carries an $8.7 million cap hit through 2030-31 with a full no-trade clause. His career totals stand at 277 goals and 648 points in 815 games.
Key Analysis
For New Jersey, the hockey logic is clear: adding Larkin would give the team three elite centers alongside Nico Hischier and Jack Hughes. Larkin and Hughes already developed chemistry during the Olympics, and Larkin’s knack for scoring around the net would fill a need in the Devils’ forward corps. Coach Sheldon Keefe would also gain more flexibility in deploying his top players, and the $8.7 million average annual value appears increasingly reasonable as the salary cap continues to rise.
However, executing a trade is another matter. The Devils currently have minimal cap space, so any deal would require sending significant salary back. Detroit is unlikely to accept a modest return for a player still under contract for several more seasons. General manager Sunny Mehta has preferred acquiring players whose best years may still be ahead; Larkin, at 30, represents a more immediate, win-now commitment. The cost in young players or draft picks would also limit New Jersey’s flexibility at the deadline or next summer. Larkin has shown willingness to play in New Jersey, but whether the Devils deem the price worthwhile remains the open question that will shape the next phase of his career.
Originally reported by yardbarker.