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Eye Opening Report Links Detroit Red Wings Captain as Prime Offseason Target For the Vancouver Canucks
Photo credit: Canucks Army
After Dylan Larkin expressed frustration during his end-of-season press conference with the Detroit Red Wings' management, he has emerged as a potential trade target for the Vancouver Canucks, who are looking to bolster their lineup with a true top-six center.
The Red Wings captain has previously been the subject of trade rumors before ultimately signing his long-term contract with Detroit.
The Vancouver Canucks are eyeing a blockbuster trade with the Detroit Red Wings.
Now, after expressing frustration with management for not making additions at the NHL Trade Deadline, Larkin may be eyeing a move to a team on the rise and in the playoff hunt.
Jacob Fraser from the Canucks Army writes that Larkin is an elite skater who has consistently delivered strong offensive production, recording at least 69 points in each of the past four seasons. In addition to hovering around the 70-point mark, he has also reached the 30-goal mark in each of those campaigns.
"His contract carries an $8.7 million AAV over the next six seasons. This is already a very fair deal for the kind of player he is, and with the salary cap set to go up substantially over the next few years, it could age very well." -Fraser
Larkin is a player capable of challenging Elias Pettersson for the Canucks' top-line center role. However, assuming Pettersson makes strides this offseason to return to form, Larkin would likely slot in as the team's second-line centerman.
Larkin would also be an immediate addition to the Canucks' top power play unit, fitting in either on the left flank or in the bumper spot if the team opts to utilize that formation again. His speed and playmaking make him a valuable asset on the left side, while his goal-scoring touch would make him a dangerous presence in the bumper position.
"Trading for Larkin might be a challenge as the player has a no-trade clause. However his connection to Quinn Hughes, both being University of Michigan alums, and former Red Wing Filip Hronek could entice him to waive his clause if the Canucks called the Red Wings about a trade." -Fraser
This deal would likely begin with either defenseman Elias Pettersson or Tom Willander. The Red Wings may lean toward Pettersson, as they already have strong right-shot defensemen in Moritz Seider and Axel Sandin-Pelikka within their system but are thinner on the left side when it comes to young NHL-ready blueliners.
"Along with Pettersson (D), the Canucks would have to add a pair of picks, including their 2025 first round pick, which will likely be this year's 15th overall pick and a young centreman like Aatu Räty." -Fraser
If the Canucks are truly committed to adding a proven top-six centreman, Dylan Larkin may be the best option available to form a dynamic one-two punch down the middle alongside Elias Pettersson.
| POLL | ||
MAI 13 | 826 ANSWERS Eye Opening Report Links Detroit Red Wings Captain as Prime Offseason Target For the Vancouver Canucks Do you think the Canucks will actually trade for Dylan Larkin this offseason? | ||
| yes | 370 | 44.8 % |
| no | 456 | 55.2 % |
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