Dylan Larkin to Toronto Makes Too Much Sense to Ignore – The Hockey Writers –

The Dylan Larkin trade request out of Detroit is the kind of story that changes the entire complexion of an offseason. And while plenty of teams will line up to make their case, with teams like the Minnesota Wild, Montreal Canadiens, Los Angeles Kings, and more linked already, one destination to keep an eye on is Toronto.

What Went Wrong in Detroit?

Larkin has served as Detroit’s captain since 2021, but after more than a decade with the organization and limited playoff appearances (five games total, to be exact), the relationship between player and front office has deteriorated. The tension didn’t come from nowhere — lingering fallout from 2023 contract talks and the club’s quiet approach at the 2024-25 trade deadline appear to have been the straw that broke the camel’s back.

The frustration is understandable. Larkin has played more games in best-on-best hockey than he has in playoff games with a team he signed long-term to because he believed his GM was going to turn the ship around. Steve Yzerman has done anything but. Now, he wants a chance to win.

Why Larkin and the Toronto Maple Leafs?

On the surface, Toronto doesn’t make the most sense for Larkin. If you look at this past season, the Maple Leafs were lousy, which isn’t exactly the most attractive quality for a player looking to leave the only NHL teams he’s ever known and join a winner.

That said, Larkin may be one of the key pieces to turning things around in Toronto. The Leafs need a number-two center — someone who can provide genuine two-way support behind Auston Matthews and reduce the load on a lineup that has leaned on John Tavares well past the point that’s fair to ask. Larkin, 29, coming off 34 goals, slots into that hole and instantly changes things. Matthews and Larkin down the middle is a huge add, especially with Tavares in the third-line slot.

Matthews and Larkin have a history from their time with Team USA, and Larkin’s addition could motivate Matthews to stick around. Matthews wanted to take a moment to consider his future — no guarantee he’d play for Toronto next season. Acquiring a player of Larkin’s caliber is exactly the kind of move that tells Matthews the franchise is serious about contending.

What Would It Cost?

Larkin holds a full no-trade clause, meaning he controls where he goes. But, if he likes the idea of Toronto, on the cap side, the numbers work cleanly. The Leafs have over $22 million in available space and can absorb Larkin’s $8.7 million cap hit without requiring Detroit to retain a penny. No one should be shocked if John Chayka looks to make a splash.

Detroit’s ask will be steep, but Yzerman has been painted into a bit of a corner here. He won’t be pressured into a bad deal, but he’s unlikely to get full value for the player. As for what it would cost? Most likely a combination of picks and prospects, not roster players eating cap space.

It’s unlikely the Leafs trade the No. 1 overall pick this year as part of any trade. But a realistic starting point for Toronto’s offer would likely center on a 2027 first-round pick — possibly two — alongside a high-end prospect. Names like Easton Cowan or Ben Danford would make sense.

The reality is, other teams will likely put together a superior offer. The question becomes, where does Larkin want to go? If his plan is to avoid Canada, Toronto is off the board immediately. If he’s open to it, what other teams has he put on his list?