Overview
- Reporting from Oct. 20–21 revealed Larkin expanded his approved destinations from three to ten teams, increasing the pool of potential trade partners.
- Detroit has not traded Larkin because the Red Wings are asking for immediate NHL-caliber players rather than mainly prospects and draft picks.
- Larkin's full no-trade protection means he must approve any destination, which narrows Detroit’s practical options despite the larger list.
- Front-office disruption slowed earlier talks after GM Steve Yzerman was removed in July and Shawn Horcoff was named interim GM in September with authority to make a deal.
- Larkin remains under contract through 2030–31 and is still playing for Detroit, so the club can wait for the right package while three-team deals remain a possible but unreported solution.