Insider Reports Rule Out Some Suitors in Dylan Larkin Sweepstakes

Over the last couple of weeks, the hockey world has been consumed by the trade situations surrounding two star talents in Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck, who has since been traded to the New Jersey Devils, and Detroit Red Wings center Larkin.

Most insider reports have centered on the teams interested in the elite two-way center, but several recent updates shed light on clubs that appear to be long shots.

Over a week ago, TSN's Darren Dreger appeared on the Struddy's World podcast and delivered a blunt assessment of Philadelphia's chances saying "[he] doesn't wanna go to Philadelphia."

In a more recent report, TSN's Pierre LeBrun said that while some teams have been added to Larkin's trade list, they haven't all shown the same level of interest. Speaking on the radio show Melnick in the Afternoon this past Wednesday, LeBrun said he hasn't heard "any connection between [Tampa] and Detroit on Dylan Larkin."

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LeBrun also addressed the Utah Mammoth, saying they are on the list and have pieces that could get a deal done. However, he noted that "they don't view that as a top priority pathway for them."

He had made similar comments the day before on SportsCentre with Jay Onrait saying "Utah I know has talked to Detroit, but I don't think Utah's pushing too hard, they've got a million centers."

Finally this past week, TSN's Chris Johnston explained on the Early Trading show how Boston's chances look, saying the Bruins could make sense as a Larkin suitor but that Larkin isn't currently interested.

As for positive movement on Larkin, the teams with the most positive reports are the Minnesota Wild, the longtime front-runners, and most recently the Montreal Canadiens, who are picking up steam and could join the sweepstakes if Larkin adds them to his trade list.

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