Dylan Larkin's trade market just got bigger. David Pagnotta says six more clubs have poked around on the Red Wings center since June.
"And there remains plenty of 'outside' interest," Pagnotta wrote, naming the Canadiens, Kings, Flyers, Bruins, Hurricanes and Sharks.
"There are others," he added.
None of those six had shown up on the lists reported so far. His original three were Vegas, Minnesota and Florida, and Elliotte Friedman later added Colorado, Washington, Dallas and Tampa Bay.
That makes 13 teams linked to him in some form since the summer.
He carries an $8,700,000 cap hit through 2030-31, a big commitment for any of them.
So why does the word "outside" matter?
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Dylan Larkin trade market expands to 13 teams as six more emerge
Those quotation marks point to interest from teams beyond his accepted list. That matters, because his no-movement clause gives him the final say on any deal.
Detroit should listen to every one of them. Even teams outside the list create leverage, and leverage is the only real card the Red Wings hold in this standoff.
It's like a nightclub with a strict guest list. The line out front keeps growing, but the doorman only lets certain names inside.
The Canadiens finished the preseason 4-1-0 and are reportedly deciding on three roster cuts before Monday's deadline.
In Los Angeles, the Kings already pay Artemi Panarin and Drew Doughty $11,000,000 apiece.
Boston just waived Alex Steeves, and David Pastrnak carries an $11,250,000 cap hit.
Carolina, the reigning Stanley Cup champion, just extended goalie Pyotr Kochetkov.
Philadelphia went 1-3-0 this preseason, while San Jose closed camp with a 4-2 win in Vegas.
None of that changes what Larkin brings. He scored 34 goals last season.
He also hasn't played a playoff game since 2015-16, which might explain why a champion like Carolina would look awfully appealing.
The Red Wings wrapped their preseason 2-1-1 and open October 2 against the Rangers.
The list keeps growing. The only number that matters now is the one Detroit finally says yes to.
Should the Red Wings trade Dylan Larkin to a team outside his approved list if the offer is right?
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