Dylan Larkin Requests a Trade
Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin has reportedly requested a trade, according to sources of Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet. Neither Larkin, his agent Pat Brisson, nor Red Wings General Manager Steve Yzerman have commented on the matter. This development is significant, especially with a limited free agent market, and Larkin holds a full no-trade clause, giving him considerable control over his destination. Having experienced playoff hockey with Team USA in the Olympics and Four Nations, where he performed exceptionally well, Larkin may be seeking an opportunity to compete in the NHL postseason more consistently. His lack of playoff appearances with the Red Wings since his rookie year in 2016, a span of ten years, is believed to be a key factor in his desire for a change of scenery.
Potential trade partners are numerous. Speculation includes the Vegas Golden Knights, given Larkin’s connection to Jack Eichel. David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period notes that Vegas should not be ruled out, even after their Stanley Cup Final appearance. Other teams mentioned include the Minnesota Wild and Montreal Canadiens, as suggested by Irf Gaffar of The Fourth Period. The Los Angeles Kings are also in need of a center, and Ken Holland, who drafted Larkin when he was GM of Detroit, could be a factor.
Emily Kaplan of ESPN reports that friction between Larkin and management dates back to his last contract negotiation, which was finalized just before the 2023 trade deadline. Larkin currently earns $8.7 million annually, with his contract extending through the 2030-31 season. Despite his desire to play for his hometown Detroit Red Wings after his time with the US development program and Michigan, the ongoing issues and lack of playoff success have led to this point.
Darnell Nurse and the Edmonton Oilers Appear Headed for a Split
Defenseman Darnell Nurse and the Edmonton Oilers are reportedly heading towards a separation, according to Mark Spector of Sportsnet. Nurse has one more year remaining on his contract with a no-trade clause before it transitions to a 10-team no-trade list. Reports from last season indicated that the Oilers were considering moving on from Nurse and his substantial $9.25 million Average Annual Value (AAV). Spector suggests that Oilers GM Stan Bowman will discuss Nurse’s preferences in the coming days.
The goal is to trade Nurse next season, despite him holding significant leverage with his contract clauses. This situation is delicate, as Nurse was a long-term signing intended to keep Connor McDavid happy. The Oilers need to create salary cap space to build a competitive team for the upcoming season. Dave Pagnotta of The Fourth Period highlights this as a crucial summer for the Oilers, especially concerning Connor McDavid. Nurse’s name has been in trade rumors for a while, and the Oilers attempted to move him at the trade deadline. While Nurse is open to remaining in Edmonton, he is also receptive to the right opportunity. The San Jose Sharks have been linked to him. Jim Biringer speculates that Nurse’s contract could make him a cap casualty as the Oilers aim to clear financial flexibility.
