Dylan Larkin is suddenly tied to a Florida scenario that could force Todd McLellan and Detroit to confront their future at center.
Unfortunately, due to breaking news of Barkov's new injury and his LTIR placement, he is now destined to land in Florida.
The connection carries more weight because Aleksander Barkov is on injured reserve with a knee issue and is expected to remain out until at least October 27.
Marco D'Amico raised the possibility that Florida could respond aggressively if Barkov's situation turns into the worst-case scenario, specifically identifying Larkin as the kind of move Bill Zito could pursue.
That doesn't make a trade complete. But it puts a specific destination beside Larkin's name at a moment when Florida's situation down the middle has changed sharply.
The Panthers are 1-0-1 through 2 games. Barkov has appeared in both, but Florida now has to consider what its lineup looks like if the absence stretches well beyond October.
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Larkin would immediately give Paul Maurice another established top-six center. Over his career, the Detroit captain has produced 276 goals and 367 assists in 808 regular-season games.
#BreakingNews being told the @FlaPanthers
and @DetroitRedWings are in “advanced stages” of talks regarding a Larkin to Florida trade. Being told Lundell is the center piece being discussed. “Things could move fast” my source told me . Stay tuned . #CONFIRMED
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Florida has an obvious reason to look at Larkin
The contract is the first major hurdle. Larkin carries an $8,700,000 cap hit through the 2030-31 season, which would make this far more than a short-term injury replacement.
That term is also what makes the possibility so serious. Florida wouldn't be acquiring a rental. It would be reshaping the center position around a player who remains under control for years.
Detroit has its own problem. The Red Wings opened 0-1-0 and were held scoreless in their first game, while Larkin is on injured reserve with an upper-body issue through at least October 6.
Steve Yzerman would have little reason to move his captain cheaply. Any conversation with Florida would have to reflect both Larkin's production and the massive lineup hole his departure would create.
For the Panthers, the pressure is different. Barkov carries a $10,000,000 cap hit through 2029-30, and his absence immediately changes how Florida can deploy its top six.
That is why this link can't simply be brushed aside as routine trade chatter. The Panthers have a defined need, Larkin fits it, and a prominent Florida scenario has now put the two sides in the same conversation.
Nothing is finalized. But if Florida decides Barkov's absence demands a major response, Larkin now looks like one of the clearest names to watch.
Will Dylan Larkin eventually be traded to the Florida Panthers?
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