- Shawn Horcoff says a Dylan Larkin trade is “difficult” with the teams on his list
- Washington and Utah have not had recent Larkin talks, per ESPN
- Read below for Horcoff’s full comments and the Protas brothers rumor
Shawn Horcoff says a Dylan Larkin trade will not come easy.
The Red Wings interim general manager met with reporters Thursday night, shortly after Detroit suspended Larkin without pay. Horcoff was asked about the odds of getting a deal done with the teams Larkin has approved.
“With the teams that Dylan has on his list, it’s difficult to get something done in a trade like this,” Horcoff said. “There’s significant challenges when you’re trying to put a salary like Dylan’s into a team, trying to find the right pieces in return.”
He also said there is no timeline. “How long it takes, I’m not sure, but I’m prepared to wait as long as necessary,” Horcoff said.
Watch the full Horcoff press conference:
Horcoff explained that Larkin’s agent, Pat Brisson, called earlier in the day to say Larkin would not return to the rink. That call kicked off a busy afternoon.
“The truth is, when you have a player of Dylan’s caliber available, your phone rings daily,” Horcoff said. “And my phone rang a lot today.” He added that Detroit has talked to teams on the list and others around the league.
As for what the Red Wings want back, Horcoff said he is open to all kinds of offers. The goal is players who can help right away, but he also wants a return that sets up long-term success.
ESPN’s Emily Kaplan reported that neither Washington nor Utah has had recent Larkin discussions with Detroit. She also said Capitals winger Ryan Leonard has not been part of any trade talks:
That does not mean Detroit is not looking at Washington. Fourth Period’s David Pagnotta reported that one well-placed source said the Red Wings have interest in the Protas brothers, Aliaksei and Ilya. Pagnotta noted it is unclear whether the Capitals have an appetite to move them:
Larkin is 30 and carries an $8.7 million cap hit through 2030-31. He is losing $41,237.11 for every day he sits, and he has a full no-trade clause. Our earlier look at the 10-team list shows why Horcoff is working with a small pool of landing spots.
Minnesota has made the most offers so far, according to The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun. Horcoff has said he will wait for the right one.
