Rumor Mill: Detroit Red Wings & Carolina Hurricanes Dylan Larkin Mock Trade

Yesterday, my fellow colleague Alex DeBerardinis wrote about a potential trade between the Authentic Detroit Red Wings Hockey Jerseys and the Detroit Red Wings involving Dylan Larkin. If you haven’t had a chance to read it, I’ve linked the article below.

Dylan Larkin expanded his trade list once again, as it has become clear that he wants out of Detroit despite continuing to play for the team. This differs from other players, such as Connor Hellebuyck in Winnipeg and Alexander Nikishin in Carolina.

The Nikishin situation brings me to the rumor of a potential trade sending Larkin to the Carolina Hurricanes.

I wrote a while back about a three-team trade involving these three players that made sense for everyone. However, what if a trade involving Nikishin and Larkin between the Red Wings and Hurricanes could clear everything up?

What Would the Red Wings Get in a Dylan Larkin Trade?

The Red Wings want two NHL players, a prospect, and a draft pick in return for Larkin. The Hurricanes have exactly what Detroit wants and could give it to them.

Obviously, in this trade, the Hurricanes would receive Dylan Larkin from Detroit, and that would be it for them. But what would Detroit get in return?

The proposed package would include Alexander Nikishin, Jesperi Kotkaniemi, Bradly Nadeau, and a first-round pick.

As someone who has followed the Red Wings for a long time and covered the team, that is a trade that should keep the locker room intact while maintaining the team’s win-now mentality.

Alexander Nikishin Strengthens Detroit’s Blue Line

Nikishin would give Detroit a left-shot defenseman who could play alongside Moritz Seider. He is also an offense-first defenseman who would boost the Detroit blue line. He finished with 33 points last season.

Additionally, Nikishin is 25 years old, making him a potential long-term piece for Detroit’s defensive core.

Jesperi Kotkaniemi Could Fill a Top-Six Role

Kotkaniemi just happens to be the odd man out in Carolina because of the talent the Hurricanes have. He has played more this season, recording five points in nine games for Carolina.

He could be a player who slots into Detroit’s top six and helps fill the hole left by Larkin’s departure.

Bradly Nadeau Adds Young Talent

Nadeau is a prospect who has been called up from time to time to fill in during injuries and has shown plenty of promise. Once again, like Kotkaniemi, he is blocked by the talent ahead of him, with his opportunities often coming when an injury occurs.

In three games this season, he has two assists. In 18 career games, he has six points coming on three goals and three assists. In the AHL, he has recorded more than 50 points in each of the last two seasons. In four games this year, he has a goal.

Nadeau would give Detroit another young player who could develop into an important part of the team’s future.

A First-Round Pick Helps Detroit Build for the Future

Finally, complete the package with a first-round pick. NHL Detroit Red Wings Jerseys would allow Detroit to remain competitive now while continuing to build for the future.

Factor in Nikishin at 25, Kotkaniemi at 26, and Nadeau at 21. Add in Seider at 25, Lucas Raymond at 24, and Alex DeBrincat at 28. That is how Detroit could build not only a core but a solid one.

Additionally, acquiring Nikishin could open the possibility of trading Simon Edvinsson. Detroit could then bring in more pieces to help the team immediately or acquire players around the same age as its developing core.

Why a Dylan Larkin Trade Makes Sense for Carolina

This trade could be a win-win for both teams.

The Hurricanes would get a center in Larkin who could play on the second line alongside Nikolaj Ehlers and Seth Jarvis. The third line could feature Jordan Martinook, Logan Stankoven, and Jackson Blake.

That does not even include the addition of Taylor Hall to Carolina’s offense. Adding Larkin would make the Hurricanes an even more serious threat than they already are.

For Carolina, acquiring a center like Larkin would provide another option down the middle and give the team additional offensive firepower as it looks to compete.

What the Red Wings’ Lineup Could Look Like After the Trade

If Detroit made this trade, the lineup could look something like this:

DeBrincat–Kotkaniemi–Bransegg Nygard
Arvidsson–Finnie–Raymond
Nadeau–Copp–Mazur
Rasmussen–Compher-Kolesar

Nikishin–Seider
Chiarot–Faulk
Al.Johansson–An.Johansson

I don’t know about you, but as someone who covers the Red Wings, that looks like a young and talented team that could seriously compete after a few years together.

That team could also make a push for the playoffs this season. It would keep the Red Wings relevant in 2026-27 while giving them a foundation to build on for years to come.

Ultimately, a Dylan Larkin trade to Carolina involving Alexander Nikishin, Jesperi Kotkaniemi, Bradly Nadeau, and a first-round pick could give Detroit the pieces it needs to remain competitive while building for the future.