The Red Wings captain shortlists three contenders for a potential trade, prioritizing tax-friendly destinations and top-line roles over a chance to join McDavid and Draisaitl in Edmonton.
Dylan Larkin has requested a trade from the Detroit Red Wings, and with a no-trade clause in his contract, he gets to choose where he goes. He submitted three teams to GM Steve Yzerman he'd waive for: the Vegas Golden Knights, the Florida Panthers, and the Minnesota Wild.
Edmonton was not among them.
Trending Stories
Does it matter? Probably not much. The Oilers aren't in the market for a second-line center at Larkin's price tag, and with Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl already occupying the top two spots down the middle, the fit was always questionable.
The return Edmonton would have been able to provide likely wasn't going to match those from teams keenly interested. The best Edmonton has to offer are players like Matt Savoie or Ike Howard. They don't have a first-rounder to throw in either.
Now, Edmonton can focus on a top-six winger, goaltending help, and depth -- all of which are bigger priorities.
Larkin is clearly chasing a Stanley Cup, and it seems (in at least two instances) a place to play where state tax is not an issue. All three teams on his list are legitimate contenders. None of the teams are from Canada.
If his list has to expand because GM Steve Yzerman isn't about to be forced into a bad trade, perhaps the Oilers pop up in conversation. Just don't expect it.
There's an appeal to playing with McDavid and Draisaitl, but not for every player. In Larkin's case, he's a top-line center (at worst a second-liner). That means he'd have to take a back seat in Edmonton, which he's unlikely to do.
Bookmark The Hockey News Edmonton Oilers team site to never miss the latest news, game-day coverage, and more. Add us to your Google News favourites, and never miss a story.