The $8.7 million detail helping Dylan Larkin get traded from the Red Wings

Dylan Larkin’s trade prospects hinge on his $8.7 million annual salary over the next five years, a figure Detroit would prefer to leverage in a deal. Larkin has a no-trade clause, complicating negotiations, but his contract is attractive: at 8.7 million dollars per season, he would fetch more on the open market. The Athletic’s Chris Johnston rated Larkin as the top offseason trade target, noting his speed, two-way play, and playoff pedigree with Team USA. Reports indicate he has approval lists with three teams so far: Florida, Minnesota, and Vegas, which may limit the Wings’ options and boost the value of a fair return for a franchise still aiming to rebuild around a captain who can contribute big minutes and scoring threats.