Detroit is holding its ground on Dylan Larkin, and multiple real offers have already come and gone this summer without moving the needle.
These talks have dragged on since last season ended, and despite still not having a permanent GM in place, Detroit's front office keeps making one thing clear. Nothing less than a proven, top-line forward gets this deal done.
Detroit isn't interested in a package built mostly around prospects and picks, no matter how many future considerations get attached to it.
Minnesota has made multiple offers already, and none have cleared that bar. The Wild's latest package reportedly included a first round pick, two mid-level prospects, and forward Danila Yurov.
Yurov posted 12 goals and 15 assists for 27 points in 73 games last season at just 22, real long-term value, but clearly not the centerpiece Detroit is asking for.
Vegas has actually offered something closer to what Detroit wants, reportedly willing to include Tomas Hertl in a package.
Philadelphia wants in, but Larkin hasn't approved it
Hertl posted 24 goals and 34 assists for 58 points in 82 games last season, exactly the caliber of proven scorer Detroit says it needs back in return.
Detroit still hasn't bitten though, even with Larkin reportedly wanting Vegas as a real destination. Right now, that outcome looks like a genuine long shot despite his preference.
Philadelphia is the name worth watching closest. The Flyers have been aggressive all offseason searching for a true number one center, even if some would argue Larkin doesn't fully fit that specific mold.
Philadelphia reportedly has real interest and real pieces to offer, but there's one problem. Larkin hasn't approved the Flyers as a destination he'd actually accept a trade to.
That's the same wrinkle that's defined this entire saga. Larkin's no-trade clause means his own approved list matters just as much as what Detroit is willing to accept in return.
A couple of wilder scenarios are also floating around. If Minnesota ever had to move Quinn Hughes for cap reasons, could Larkin suddenly become part of that equation? And could Dallas somehow get involved given Jason Robertson's own situation?
Robertson just signed a one year, $12,000,000 bridge deal in Dallas, keeping his own future unresolved into next summer, which makes any Larkin connection there pure speculation for now.
Right now, none of that changes the core problem. Detroit wants a real forward back, the Wild and Golden Knights haven't offered enough to satisfy that price, and Philadelphia can't even get a real conversation started without Larkin's approval first.
As it stands, this messy situation looks likely to drag straight into training camp next month, with Detroit showing no signs of budging on its asking price anytime soon.
Should the Red Wings accept Vegas's offer involving Tomas Hertl for Dylan Larkin?
Also read on Markerzone.com:
Former Maple Leafs player rips into Auston Matthews with scathing comments
