NHL Trade Rumors: Could Red Wings star Dylan Larkin be on the move?

As the March 3 Trade Deadline approaches, NHL trade rumors continue to heat up throughout the league. While some familiar names have circulated for months, one superstar's name has begun to heat up in the trade market. Impending free agent Dylan Larkin of the Detroit Red Wings could quickly become the most sought-after talent if he is made available by the team.

"Dylan Larkin is still without a contract extension with the trade deadline rapidly approaching. What is his future with the Detroit Red Wings? #LGRW @Jackie_Redmond | @EJHradek_NHL | @BJaffe | #NHLNow" - NHL Network

While the bulk of trade rumors approaching trade deadlines are merely speculation, there is a legitimate case for Dylan Larkin to be moved by the Detroit Red Wings before the trade deadline.

According to Pierre LeBrun of TSN, Pat Brisson, the agent for Dylan Larkin, will be in Florida and will meet with Larkin to go over their options. While Larkin's team and the Red Wings have negotiated an extension for some time, there is reportedly little traction being made.

"I'm going to keep coming up with Dylan Larkin trade proposals until he gets signed or traded." - Rogue Gamer

If the two sides cannot determine a new extension, the Detroit Red Wings risk the real possibility of losing their captain for nothing. While this may not be the desired outcome for the Red Wings, they may have no other option aside from paying more than originally offered, trading their superstar forward, or risking entering the summer without Larkin under contract.

One complication involving the trade rumors surrounding Larkin is the fact that he has a full no-movement clause in his current contract. So even if Detroit is able to find an optimal trading partner, the deal would need to be approved by Larkin before it could proceed. Essentially, Dylan Larkin has a unique opportunity to fully control his destiny.

"I heard a report that Dylan Larkin won't accept a trade. If he won't sign a contract and won't accept a trade what does that mean? It means he's using that as leverage to get Yzerman to increase the offer. It feels like a game of poker and Larkin is bluffing. #LGRW" - Rogue Gamer

If the Dylan Larkin trade rumors are correct, which team could land the Red Wings captain?

Dylan Larkin should fetch a package similar to Bo Horvat, who was the number one player mentioned in trade rumors this season. The Vancouver Canucks received forwards Anthony Beauvillier and Aatu Raty, as well as a protected 2023 first-round draft pick from the New York Islanders in the deal.

Larkin should draw plenty of interest from teams around the league, however, with his no-movement clause, it would need to be a desired location or Stanley Cup contender. The Boston Bruins, Seattle Kraken, and New Jersey Devils could emerge as legitimate contenders for the superstar forward.