The Detroit Red Wings have been mired in playoff purgatory for a decade — ten straight seasons without a single postseason game. And now, according to sources close to the situation, superstar forward Dylan Larkin has had enough. The captain, reportedly fed up with the losing culture, has officially requested a trade, sending shockwaves through the NHL.
According to insiders, Larkin has given the Red Wings a shortlist of three preferred destinations: the Vegas Golden Knights, the Florida Panthers, and the Minnesota Wild. All three franchises have tasted significant success in recent years — a stark contrast to Detroit’s ongoing rebuild. The Golden Knights have made the playoffs eight times since entering the league in 2017, played in three Stanley Cup Finals, and are chasing their second championship. The Panthers have been to the Finals three times and hoisted the Cup twice. Meanwhile, the Wild have made the playoffs in eight of the last ten seasons but have never played for a Stanley Cup — a drought they’re reportedly desperate to end.
But sources say landing Larkin won’t come cheap. The Wild would have to assemble what one league insider called a “perfect trade package” to pry the disgruntled star away from Detroit.
The Wild Dangle Their Top Prospect — And It Could Be a Game-Changer
Earlier this season, Minnesota reportedly made a hard push for St. Louis Blues center Robert Thomas, offering a package that included top prospect Jesper Wallstedt and Danila Yurov. While that deal fell through, insiders say Yurov would almost certainly be the centerpiece of any Larkin trade. The Wild have already shipped out several high-end prospects — including Zeev Buium and David Jiricek — but Yurov remains, and his value has never been higher.
Selected 24th overall in the 2022 NHL Draft, the 22-year-old forward spent time in both the MHL and KHL before arriving in North America. In 209 KHL games, Yurov lit the lamp 41 times and added 47 assists, showcasing legitimate scoring instincts. In his rookie NHL season this year, he played 73 games, scoring 12 goals and 15 assists while averaging just under 14 minutes of ice time per night. Scouts believe his ceiling is enormous, and his entry-level contract — which still has two years remaining at just $950,000 per season — reportedly makes him an extremely attractive asset for a Red Wings team looking to rebuild on a budget.
A Future Between the Pipes? Detroit Could Land a Top Goalie
With Cam Talbot set to hit unrestricted free agency and John Gibson entering the final year of his contract, the Red Wings’ goaltending situation is, according to sources, a major concern. While the team does have 2021 first-round pick Sebastian Cossa on the roster, he has played only one NHL game — leading many to question whether he’s truly ready.
Gibson, 33, had a solid season (29-22-4, 2.72 GAA, .901 save percentage), but his age and expiring deal make him a short-term solution. The Wild, meanwhile, may be reluctant to part with breakout playoff star Jesper Wallstedt, but Filip Gustavsson could be a tantalizing alternative.
Gustavsson, 28, is under team control through 2030-31 and carries a $6.8 million AAV — slightly less than Larkin’s cap hit, making the trade financially workable for both sides. While he’s recovering from hip surgery and may not be ready for opening night, Gibson could hold the fort until Gustavsson is cleared. At that point, Detroit could let Gibson walk or trade him and promote Cossa as the backup.
Over the last two seasons, Gustavsson has started 107 games, posting a 58-34-12 record with a 2.63 GAA and a .909 save percentage. Sources say his consistency would be a massive upgrade for the Wings and give them a true building block in net for the long haul.
The Wild Might Have to Dig Deeper — And a Sleeper Prospect Could Seal the Deal
Even with Yurov and Gustavsson on the table, sources claim Detroit would demand more. Veterans like Ryan Hartman, Nico Sturm, or Jonas Brodin — who might be available — reportedly don’t move the needle for a rebuilding club. Instead, the Wild could turn to a high-upside prospect: Ryder Ritchie.
Selected 45th overall in the 2024 NHL Draft, Ritchie exploded with the Medicine Hat Tigers of the WHL, scoring 29 goals and 32 assists in just 53 games. He added 18 points in 18 playoff games and represented Canada at the U18 level in 2024, tallying four goals and four assists in seven contests. However, his freshman season at Boston University was underwhelming — just seven goals and ten assists in 36 games.
Despite the dip, scouts believe Ritchie’s raw talent is undeniable. He could play another season with Boston University before signing his entry-level contract, giving the Red Wings a potential steal in the making. One Western Conference scout told us, “If Ritchie hits his ceiling, this trade looks like a masterstroke for Detroit.”
With the Larkin trade request now public, the clock is ticking. The Wild have reportedly emerged as one of the favorites — but whether they’re willing to pay the alleged asking price remains the biggest question in the NHL rumor mill.
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