Dylan Larkin officially reveals his number one team of choice but the cap math creates a problem
|
Daniel Lucente
Jun 23, 2026 (12:04)
|
|
Photo credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
Nick Kypreos reported Sunday that Dylan Larkin's preferred trade destination is the Dallas Stars.
The problem is Dallas can't afford him.
Larkin, 29, carries an $8.7 million cap hit through 2031 and holds a full no-trade clause until July 1, 2028.
He has to approve any deal himself, which means his preference for Dallas isn't just a rumor - it's his official position.
"It appears Dylan Larkin's destination of choice is Dallas."
- Nick Kypreos
- Nick Kypreos
The framing "destination of choice" in Kypreos's report signals this came from Larkin's camp.
When a player leaks their preferred destination, negotiations accelerate.
Detroit Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman now knows exactly which team his captain will accept.
Dallas has roughly $10 million in cap space
The Stars need to sign restricted free agent Jason Robertson, who scored 45 goals last season and is expected to seek a deal in the $12 million range.
They also need to extend Mavrik Bourque.
Jim Nill's club does not have room for both Robertson and Larkin at $8.7 million.
This is the consequence nobody is connecting. Larkin publicly naming Dallas doesn't open a door - it forces a choice.
Robertson or Larkin. The Dallas Stars cannot realistically do both.
Yzerman holds more power than it looks
The preferred-destination leak actually strengthens Yzerman's hand, not Larkin's.
Dallas knows they're the target, which means Nill now understands what he's bidding against.
But Yzerman knows Dallas is Larkin's preferred stop, which means Detroit has no reason to accept a weak return.
Yzerman has reportedly told teams he wants established players back, not picks. One scenario already circulating involves Robertson's rights heading to Detroit.
That would give the Red Wings a 45-goal scorer at 26 years old and reshape their offense immediately.
The Stars want Larkin. The price might be Robertson.
That trade may never happen - but it's the only math that actually works.
Also read on HockeyLatest :
Stan Bowman disrespects Connor McDavid with latest actions
Stan Bowman disrespects Connor McDavid with latest actions