The NHL trade market may have just gained its biggest available center, and the Boston Bruins are being linked as a perfect destination for Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin.
According to The Hockey News writer Michael DeRosa, the Bruins should aggressively pursue Larkin following reports that the veteran center has requested a trade.
Larkin's long-standing search for a true first-line center could make the Bruins one of the most intriguing fits if he ultimately leaves Detroit.
The development surfaced after Sportsnet insider Elliotte Friedman reported that Larkin wants a fresh start away from the Red Wings.
“Second, Larkin’s involvement in the trade market is massive,” Friedman wrote. “He has a full no-trade clause both this season and next, so his control over the situation does not change July 1. He’s a top-line center in a league desperate for centers, so there’s going to be a ton of interest. His play at the 4 Nations and Olympics was stellar. That’s going to excite potential trade partners.”
While neither Larkin nor the organization has publicly detailed the situation, Friedman pointed to multiple factors that may have contributed to the reported request, including Detroit’s inability to make the playoffs and a somewhat frosty relationship between the captain and the team’s top hockey executive.
“Because no one will talk, we can only guess at the rationale, but there appear to be two critical factors: Detroit’s inability to make the playoffs, and a somewhat frosty relationship between the captain and the team’s top hockey executive,” Friedman writes, referring to Steve Yzerman.
The Bruins have lacked a long-term solution at the top of their lineup since significant roster changes in recent seasons, making them one of the most aggressive bidders for Larkin’s services.
Larkin would immediately address that issue while bringing proven offensive production and leadership experience.
The 29-year-old remains under contract through the 2030-31 season with an $8.7 million cap hit, providing long-term cost certainty for any acquiring team.
