Dylan Larkin expands trade list as Hurricanes let Alexander Nikishin shop deal

On the first day of the 2026-27 NHL regular season, Dylan Larkin’s situation in Detroit remains unresolved despite a significant concession from the player’s side. The Detroit Red Wings centre, who requested a trade early in the off-season, has reportedly agreed to broaden the list of teams he would waive his no‑movement clause to join, but that has yet to translate into real momentum toward a deal.

Larkin widens list, but cap realities keep trade complicated

Larkin’s full no‑movement protection gives the 30‑year‑old complete control over any potential destination. Initially, his list of preferred landing spots was limited to three teams, including the Minnesota Wild, Florida Panthers and Vegas Golden Knights, with the Dallas Stars also believed to be of interest. Those clubs, however, didn’t have the necessary cap space or trade chips to make a deal work with Detroit.

According to Sportsnet insider Elliotte Friedman, Larkin is now willing to expand his list to as many as eight teams. The Colorado Avalanche, Washington Capitals, Tampa Bay Lightning and the Stars are said to be among the new possibilities. Like the original teams on his list, those contenders are all tight to the salary cap and would struggle to absorb Larkin’s $8.7‑million cap hit, which runs through 2030‑31.

Even in a theoretical scenario where Detroit retained half of his cap hit – something described as unlikely – those clubs would still need to shed one or two meaningful contracts to make the dollars fit, on top of paying what is described as a steep asking price from the Red Wings. That combination continues to be a major barrier to any trade.

Rather than staying away, Larkin reported for training camp and played through the pre-season with Detroit. He was stripped of the captaincy before the season and declined to get into his reasons for requesting a move during what was described as an awkward press conference, underscoring the strain between player and team.

For now, several paths remain in play: Larkin could further expand his list, Detroit could soften its demands, or one of the teams he’s approved might become more aggressive if its season goes sideways. Unless one of those factors shifts, a resolution in the short term appears difficult.

Hurricanes give Nikishin camp permission to seek trade

In Carolina, another trade request is shaping the early days of the season. Friedman reported that the Hurricanes have granted permission for Alexander Nikishin’s agent to talk with other teams in an effort to find a trade partner.

The 24‑year‑old defenceman is a restricted free agent who is not eligible to sign an offer sheet. Without a contract in place and with the Hurricanes unable so far to move him, Nikishin skipped the entire training camp and pre-season schedule.

Friedman raised the possibility that Nikishin could be part of a three‑team deal and noted earlier speculation linking him to the Winnipeg Jets if Carolina tried to acquire holdout goaltender Connor Hellebuyck. However, he added that Nikishin is not interested in signing with the Jets, which complicates that route.

As the regular season begins, the Hurricanes start without the young blueliner in their lineup, while the Red Wings carry a high‑profile trade request on their books. How quickly the Larkin and Nikishin situations evolve could have a ripple effect on the broader NHL trade market in the weeks ahead.