Red Wings’ Dylan Larkin Trade Talks Stalled as Stars Decline Key Request

Detroit Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman continues to face challenges in finding a suitable trade package for star center Dylan Larkin. Despite interest from several teams, Yzerman has maintained his position, only considering offers from three specific clubs. Recent reports suggested that Larkin’s camp had expanded the list of potential suitors, but longstanding beat writer Helene St. James of The Detroit Free Press has indicated that this is not the case.

However, a new development suggests that Larkin may have added the Dallas Stars to his list of acceptable teams. This news comes from fellow beat writer Ansar Khan of MLive. The Stars, led by former Red Wings assistant GM Jim Nill, were approached by Detroit regarding a potential trade. Yet, Nill reportedly rejected Detroit’s request for promising forward Wyatt Johnston, who scored over 40 goals last season.

Johnston, like Larkin, is under contract for the next four seasons with a cap hit of $8.4 million, which is slightly less than Larkin’s $8.7 million cap hit for the next five years. Johnston was drafted by the Stars in 2021 with the 23rd overall pick, while the Red Wings selected goaltender Sebastian Cossa at 15th overall. As Johnston emerges as a key player for Dallas, Cossa has seen limited success, appearing in just one NHL game before being traded to the Utah Mammoth.

The Stars are currently navigating a tight salary cap situation, complicating any potential trade talks. Meanwhile, the Florida Panthers, Vegas Golden Knights, and Minnesota Wild—teams originally on Larkin’s trade list—have yet to present an offer that meets Yzerman’s expectations. As the days pass without a resolution, the likelihood of Larkin reporting to training camp in an uncomfortable situation grows.

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