Did Dylan Larkin Know? Red Wings Center Added Devils to Trade List Days Before Blockbuster Connor Hellebuyck Deal

Earlier this week, the Detroit Free Press's Helene St. James reported that Detroit Red Wings center Dylan Larkin had added three teams to his trade list. The Carolina Hurricanes and Utah Mammoth were not much of a surprise but the New Jersey Devils were the head-turner.

It left many wondering why Larkin would be open to a team that missed the playoffs last season when he had been vocal about wanting to join a Stanley Cup contender and on Friday, we may have gotten an answer. 

The Devils made a major splash by acquiring superstar goaltender Connor Hellebuyck from the Winnipeg Jets, for a haul that including forwards Dawson Mercer and Nick Bjugstad, 2026 12th overall draft pick Alexander Command, depth goaltender Nico Daws, a 2029 second-round pick, and a 2027 seventh-round pick.

It is possible Larkin knew something was coming as a Team USA teammate of Hellebuyck's and may have heard about the move through the Olympic team's group chat. Larkin may want to be part of the action with the timing of his addition of the Devils to his trade list being notable.

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The Devils currently sit in a playoff spot at 6-4-0 and are making a major upgrade at their weakest position. Hellebuyck, a three-time Vezina Trophy winner and Olympic gold medalist, replaces the duo of veteran Jake Allen and youngster Nico Daws, who have held New Jersey to a middle-of-the-pack 3.10 goals against per game. With Hellebuyck, the Devils could climb even higher.

The aggressive move raises the question of whether New Jersey will keep pushing its chips in. Center is not its biggest need, but the fit could work. The Devils could slide Jack Hughes to the wing and keep Larkin down the middle, or Larkin could join Hughes and captain Nico Hischier to form an elite trio.

Meeting Detroit's demands could be difficult as they are reportedly asking for young centers, and New Jersey does not have many. It does have interesting young wingers and defensemen like Luke Evangelista, a 24-year-old top-six forward, that is not a center but is coming off a solid 56-point season. They could also offer up Finnish winger Lenni Hämeenaho, who has been stellar this season, averaging a point per game in the AHL.

There are possibilities, and a deal could get done, but it will depend on whether New Jersey sees enough value in Larkin after the assets it just gave up for Hellebuyck. Time will tell, but it adds another interesting layer if the Devils get involved in the Larkin sweepstakes.

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