Dylan Larkin on Panthers’ Trade Radar: What Could Florida Offer Detroit?

Rumors are swirling around the Florida Panthers as the NHL offseason heats up, especially following their first season without a Stanley Cup Playoff appearance in seven years. The Panthers have garnered attention thanks to their ninth overall pick in the upcoming 2026 NHL Draft, a significant asset that could facilitate a trade.

In recent weeks, Florida has been linked to several high-profile players, notably goaltenders Connor Hellebuyck and Jordan Binnington, as the team navigates a tricky goaltending situation with no netminders currently under contract for next season. The uncertainty regarding a potential extension for Sergei Bobrovsky has only fueled speculation about trades.

The latest buzz centers around Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin, who has reportedly requested a trade. This news, first reported by Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, has sent ripples throughout the league. Larkin, who turns 30 on Opening Night, holds a full no-trade clause in his contract, which features an average annual value of $8.7 million through the 2030-31 season. Over the past five years, he has averaged 32 goals and 70 points, but he has not participated in a playoff game since his rookie season in 2016.

Frustration with the Red Wings’ ongoing struggles appears to have prompted Larkin’s trade request. He has submitted a short list of teams to General Manager Steve Yzerman, including the Panthers, Vegas Golden Knights, and Minnesota Wild. All three teams are considered contenders, making them appealing options for a player of Larkin’s caliber.

If the Panthers were to pursue Larkin, they would need to put together a substantial offer, especially since trading him within the Atlantic Division could be seen as a risky move. Florida already boasts three high-end centers—Sasha Barkov, Sam Bennett, and Anton Lundell—making the integration of Larkin into the lineup a complex consideration. While Barkov is a cornerstone of the franchise, Lundell has attracted interest from other teams, and Bennett’s grit has proven vital to the Panthers’ success.

Interestingly, the Panthers have shown flexibility in their lineup, as players like Sam Reinhart and Evan Rodrigues have successfully shifted between center and wing. This versatility could allow Larkin to fit seamlessly into Florida’s roster without disrupting their depth.

Any potential trade involving Larkin would likely include the Panthers’ ninth overall pick, but the Red Wings would also seek immediate contributors to help them end a playoff drought. The Athletic’s Max Bultman and Corey Pronman suggested a possible deal where Florida sends their first-round pick, along with Eetu Luostarinen and prospect Sandis Vilmanis, to Detroit in exchange for Larkin. This proposal raises eyebrows, as many might question whether that package is enough to secure a player of Larkin’s status.

Financially, adding Larkin would increase Florida’s cap hit by $5.7 million, leaving them with approximately $9.5 million in cap space to address their goaltending needs and sign restricted free agents. However, it’s likely that Yzerman will demand more to part with Larkin, especially to a division rival. The Panthers will also need to keep an eye on potential offers from the Wild and Golden Knights, as well as Larkin’s list of desired teams, which could expand as the offseason unfolds.

With the NHL Draft approaching on June 26, the clock is ticking for the Panthers to make a move if they are serious about acquiring Larkin. Fans are left wondering what it would take to bring him to Florida and whether the team should focus on enhancing other areas, such as goaltending.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.