Dylan Larkin expanded his trade list to 10 teams. The Red Wings captain initially requested a deal last June, but he's now willing to waffle on his original preferences. He told Detroit he'd accept moves to at least seven additional destinations beyond his original three, according to ESPN.
This matters because Larkin is a foundational piece for the Wings. He's their captain and their best forward. The fact he's opening up options suggests either he wants out badly enough to be flexible, or the Red Wings pitched him on destinations that changed his thinking. Either way, it signals the team might actually move him this season rather than hold firm.
Detroit is rebuilding. They've been mediocre for years. Larkin's still in his prime at 27 and chasing a Stanley Cup. The calculus for both sides makes sense. If the Wings land a haul of prospects and picks, they accelerate the rebuild timeline. Larkin gets a fresh start somewhere contending.
The ten-team list gives the Wings actual leverage in trade talks. Suitors know Larkin won't torpedo a deal over location, which typically inflates asking prices. Expect the Wings to shop him aggressively before the deadline. If they get legitimate offers, they'll listen.