Dylan Larkin came into this NHL season still wearing a Detroit Red Wings jersey, but without his captaincy and with a trade request hanging over him. He asked out in the offseason. Detroit honoured his no-trade clause, which let him control where he went. He named just three teams he would accept: Minnesota, Vegas, and Florida. That short list stalled everything. Now, with the season already underway and Larkin skating for a team he wants to leave, the situation has shifted in a way that opens the door for Washington.
Larkin’s Trade List Has Now Grown to 10 Teams
ESPN’s Greg Wyshynski broke the news Tuesday that Larkin’s approved trade list has expanded from three teams to at least 10. That is not a minor adjustment. That is a full reset of the trade market around him.
The seven additions include the Carolina Hurricanes, Colorado Avalanche, Dallas Stars, New Jersey Devils, Tampa Bay Lightning, Utah Mammoth, and the Washington Capitals. The Detroit Free Press first reported the list, with ESPN confirming through a source that despite Montreal fans chanting “We Want Larkin” at the Bell Centre, Larkin has no interest in moving to a Canadian team.
For Washington, this is a genuine opening, not a rumour. The Capitals are now on that list. And given what this season means for the franchise, with Alex Ovechkin playing in what he has confirmed will be his final NHL year, the front office has every reason to pursue a centre who could help them stay competitive through the playoff run Ovi deserves. Landing a 30-year-old centre of Larkin’s calibre would give Washington real depth down the middle at the right moment.
Still, the Capitals are not alone. Several of those 10 teams are legitimate contenders with the cap space and prospects to make compelling offers. Detroit is not just going to move Larkin for the best available package. They want proper value. That negotiation is going to take time, and Larkin will keep suiting up for the Red Wings in the meantime, which is its own uncomfortable reality for everyone in that locker room.
Dylan Strome Is the Most Likely Trade Chip
The math here points pretty clearly to one name on Washington’s side: Dylan Strome. He plays centre, the same position as Larkin. He carries the largest contract value on the Capitals roster among players without a no-trade clause, which means Washington can move him without needing his sign-off.
A Dylan-for-Dylan framework makes sense on paper. Strome is talented enough to be a real trade piece rather than just salary filler. Detroit, if they like what they see in him, could realistically view that as a foundation to build around. Washington would almost certainly need to attach more, whether that is a prospect, a pick, or both, but Strome is where any serious conversation has to begin.
The Capitals have competition. But for the first time this season, they actually have a seat at the table.