Dylan Larkin Trade Rumors Grow as NHL Season Begins

Detroit Red Wings center Dylan Larkin has emerged as one of the NHL's biggest trade discussion points entering the 2026-27 season, with Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck and other stars also drawing attention as teams evaluate possible moves.

Bleacher Report said Larkin became a recurring name on NHL trade boards after an offseason trade request. The 30-year-old center is signed through 2030-31 with an average annual value of $8.7 million and a full no-movement clause.

Speculation connected Larkin with the Florida Panthers after captain Aleksander Barkov suffered a left leg injury against the San Jose Sharks. Bleacher Report noted the Panthers had limited trade capital and questioned whether they could absorb Larkin's contract.

The Panthers announced Barkov would miss six to eight weeks, and TSN's Pierre LeBrun said the injury timeline reduced the likelihood of a move for Larkin because the team expected its captain to return.

Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck is another prominent trade candidate after making his trade request public in August. Bleacher Report reported he remained suspended without pay after failing to report to training camp while seeking a trade.

Interest in Hellebuyck grew after early concerns about Edmonton Oilers goaltending. Sportsnet's Frank Seravalli raised the possibility that Edmonton could explore a deal for the three-time Vezina Trophy winner.

Bleacher Report reported that TSN's Pierre LeBrun described the Calgary Flames as having considered adding free-agent forward Patrik Laine after a difficult opening stretch. The Flames were outscored 16-3 in their first three games.

The report said Laine was not the only veteran option available, with Vladimir Tarasenko, David Perron, and James van Riemsdyk also identified as possible free-agent targets. The Flames were seeking more scoring and veteran presence after moving several experienced players.

TSN's Pierre LeBrun reported the Flames had considered signing Laine, writing that the team had "kicked around" the possibility of adding the winger.

Detroit teammate Simon Edvinsson also appeared in trade discussions after returning to Sweden while awaiting a new contract or a possible trade. The defenseman was listed among players attracting attention in the rumor market.

Daily Faceoff's season-opening roundtable identified other potential major trade names beyond Larkin and Hellebuyck. Analysts pointed to players including Erik Karlsson, Alex DeBrincat, Ryan O'Reilly, and Quinn Hughes as possible significant moves.

Paul Pidutti highlighted Nashville Predators center Ryan O'Reilly as a potential deadline target because of his contract status, low $4.5 million average annual value, and experience as a Conn Smythe Trophy winner.

Pidutti referenced O'Reilly's nickname, describing him as "The Factor" while explaining why teams could view the veteran center as a valuable acquisition before the March 1 deadline.