NHL rumors: How Connor Hellebuyck trade affects Wild’s Dylan Larkin pursuit appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Connor Hellebuyck and Dylan Larkin have been two of the most prominent names on NHL trade boards this season after both Americans requested moves from their respective clubs.
With Hellebuyck traded from the Winnipeg Jets to the New Jersey Devils in a Friday blockbuster, the spotlight now shifts to the former Red Wings captain.
The Minnesota Wild remain one of the frontrunners for Larkin’s services. As The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun reported in his latest NHL rumblings, “no team has made more trade offers to Detroit over the past few months than Minnesota.”
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It’s a tricky situation, as Wild general manager Bill Guerin parted with a haul to acquire Quinn Hughes from the Vancouver Canucks in a midseason blockbuster last December.
Hughes’ long-term future remains unresolved, and Minnesota could still use a major upgrade down the middle. Acquiring Larkin would address that need while potentially giving Hughes another reason to stay.
The Wild have been among Larkin’s preferred destinations from the beginning, and he won Olympic gold with a United States team assembled by Guerin in Milan.
But finding a package that works for Detroit remains complicated.
“After nearly emptying the cupboards last December in the Hughes blockbuster with Vancouver, it’s been difficult to find a combination package that works for the Red Wings,” LeBrun wrote on Friday.
“It certainly hasn’t been for a lack of trying, though. Still, now would be the time for Guerin to feel even more urgency. Bringing in Larkin would send a strong message to Hughes. It could be enough to convince him to extend. And Minnesota has been part of Larkin’s original top three teams from the get-go.”
LeBrun’s analysis puts Hughes’ future at the center of Minnesota’s pursuit. Landing Larkin would strengthen the roster immediately and could help convince the star defenseman to sign an extension.
The Wild can’t wait forever for an answer from Hughes. If his future remains unresolved approaching the March 1 deadline, Minnesota could face a difficult choice: explore a deal or pursue a Stanley Cup with him and risk losing him for nothing in free agency.
Adding a player of Larkin’s caliber would strengthen Minnesota’s chances of making a deep playoff run while giving Guerin another piece to build around, with the Michigan native under contract through 2030-31.
For now, finding a package that satisfies Detroit interim GM Shawn Horcoff remains the obstacle for Guerin and his front office.
With the Hellebuyck saga now closed, Larkin’s future will continue to dominate headlines across the National Hockey League until a resolution is achieved.