FORT LAUDERDALE — The Florida Panthers are among three teams Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin prefers in a trade request, the Detroit Free Press reported Monday morning, setting up a potential blockbuster move for the defending Atlantic Division rivals.
Larkin, who scored a career-high 34 goals last season and has averaged 71 points over the past five seasons, holds a full no-trade clause that gives him control over any destination. The 29-year-old, who turns 30 in July, is the only current Red Wings player to have made the playoffs with Detroit — a franchise now carrying the NHL’s longest postseason drought at 10 years.
Whether Larkin actually moves depends on Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman granting the request. The Free Press listed the Minnesota Wild, New York Islanders and Vegas Golden Knights among other potential suitors, though none of those clubs share the Atlantic Division with both Detroit and the Panthers.
Florida Hockey Now reported that Panthers center Anton Lundell appears to be a natural trade piece heading to Detroit based on salary cap and personnel considerations. Lundell, a young center, would address a positional need for the Red Wings while clearing cap space for Larkin’s contract in South Florida.
The Panthers face a busy offseason regardless of any Larkin deal. The NHL Draft runs June 26-27 at KeyBank Center in Buffalo, where Florida holds the ninth overall pick and seven selections total. NHL free agency opens July 1, and the Panthers’ development camp is scheduled for late June or early July at the IcePlex in Fort Lauderdale.
Florida’s rookie camp and tournament are set for late August or early September, with training camp following in early to mid-September in Fort Lauderdale ahead of the 2026-27 season opener in late September.