Dylan Larkin Goes To Toronto Makes Too Much Sense To Ignore – Hockey Writers –

Dylan Larkin’s trade request from Detroit is the kind of story that changes the entire complexion of the offseason. And while many teams will be lining up to respond, with teams like the Minnesota Wild, Montreal Canadiens, Los Angeles Kings, and others already linked, one area worth watching 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 (a total of five games, to be exact), the relationship between the player and the front office has deteriorated. The tension didn’t come out of nowhere – the flurry of 2023 contract talks and the club’s quiet approach to the 2024-25 trade deadline appear to have been the straw that broke the camel’s back.

The frustration is understandable. Larkin played more games in the best hockey than any playoff game with the team he signed with for a long time because he believed his GM would turn the ship around. Steve Yzerman did anything. Now, you want a chance to win.

Why Larkin and the Toronto Maple Leafs?

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

That said, Larkin could be one of the key pieces in turning things around in Toronto. The Leafs need a number two center — someone who can provide real two-way support behind Auston Matthews and ease the load on a roster that relies on John Tavares having passed the question mark. Larkin, 29, is coming off 34 goals, steps into that hole and changes things quickly. Matthews and Larkin down the middle are a big addition, especially with Tavares in the third line spot.

Matthews and Larkin have history in their time with Team USA, and the addition of Larkin could motivate Matthews to continue. Matthews wanted to take a moment to consider his future – there is no guarantee he will play for Toronto next season. Landing a player of Larkin’s caliber is the kind of move that tells Matthews the franchise is willing to fight.

What would it cost?

Larkin carries 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 more than $22 million in cap space and can absorb Larkin’s $8.7 million cap hit without requiring Detroit to save a dime. No one should be shocked if John Chayka looks like he’s acting.

Detroit’s asking will be uphill, but Yzerman is painted into a small corner here. He won’t be pressured into doing bad things, but he’s unlikely to get the player’s full value. As for how much it will cost? Probably a combination of picks and prospects, not roster players eating up cap space.

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

The truth is, other groups will probably put together a better offer. The question is, where does Larkin want to go? If his plan is to avoid Canada, Toronto is off the board quickly. If he is open to it, what other teams has he put on his list?