The Minnesota Wild are at a critical juncture in the 2024-2025 NHL season, dealing with a series of injuries that have left them scrambling for offensive firepower. One of their key players, Kirill Kaprizov, is currently sidelined after being placed on Long-Term Injured Reserve (LTIR), leaving the team with a significant hole in their top-six forward group. This injury has opened up some much-needed salary cap space, a fortunate development that could play a pivotal role as the March 7 trade deadline approaches. With extra cap flexibility and the team needing a boost in scoring, the Wild should set their sights on acquiring Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin.
Larkin, a dynamic center with a proven ability to lead both offensively and defensively, is precisely the type of player the Wild need to target. His speed, leadership, and two-way ability would bring immediate value to Minnesota, especially if Detroit finds itself on the outside looking in come playoff time. Larkin’s availability could be a game-changer for the Wild, who are already looking to solidify their long-term center depth. General Manager Bill Guerin, who has been actively involved in Team USA’s international hockey efforts, has a strong understanding of Larkin’s abilities. During the 4 Nations Face-Off, Guerin witnessed firsthand the chemistry Larkin had with Matt Boldy, one of Minnesota’s rising stars. The combination of Larkin’s speed through the neutral zone and his precise, goal-scoring touch complemented Boldy’s vision and playmaking ability. This partnership showed flashes of brilliance and could be something that the Wild could exploit for years to come.
With the addition of a player like Larkin, Minnesota could form a truly formidable top line. Larkin’s chemistry with Boldy would immediately give the Wild a dynamic offensive duo, and once Kaprizov is healthy, they could have one of the most dangerous trios in the league. The speed and skill that Larkin brings to the table would give Minnesota an edge on the transition, making them a serious threat against opposing defenses. It’s the type of top-line talent that could elevate the Wild from a competitive team to a legitimate contender.
Larkin’s role on the Wild would be multifaceted. His versatility and high hockey IQ would make him an ideal fit between Kaprizov and Boldy. The Wild would benefit from his elite speed and two-way capabilities, as well as his leadership qualities. Much like Joel Eriksson Ek, Larkin would contribute at both ends of the ice, but with a higher offensive ceiling. He’s also more than capable of playing in all situations, including special teams. His presence would give Minnesota a much-needed spark in the locker room, which could be crucial during the stretch run.
On the power play, Larkin would likely slot into Minnesota’s top unit, allowing Mats Zuccarello to move to the second unit. This change would deepen the Wild’s special teams, giving them more options to capitalize on the man advantage. The addition of Larkin would also make it easier for the Wild to integrate young talents like Brock Faber, Zeev Buium, and Danila Yurov into the mix. As the team looks to build for the future, having Larkin on the top power-play unit would allow them to balance veteran leadership with emerging skill.
While Larkin would be a perfect fit for the Wild’s needs, acquiring him will not be easy. Detroit’s captain is an integral part of the Red Wings’ leadership group, and given that he hails from Waterford Township, less than an hour away from Detroit, it’s hard to imagine him wanting to leave his hometown team. However, in the NHL, we’ve seen players move on from their original teams, even when it feels unlikely. The Pittsburgh Penguins, for instance, acquired Phil Kessel despite him rejecting a trade to Minnesota. While the circumstances are different, it’s worth noting that a change of scenery could ultimately benefit both Larkin and the Red Wings if they fail to secure a playoff spot.
To make a deal work, the Wild would likely have to part with a combination of prospects, picks, and potentially roster players. While Guerin has done well to build up Minnesota’s farm system, the price for a player like Larkin will undoubtedly be steep. However, with the Wild needing a top-six forward and Larkin’s contract expiring after the season, this could be the perfect opportunity for Minnesota to go all-in. The team has shown its ability to compete in recent seasons, and with Kaprizov’s return and the addition of a player like Larkin, the Wild could push themselves into true Stanley Cup contention.
Ultimately, acquiring Dylan Larkin would address several key areas for the Wild. His speed, leadership, and skill would provide an instant boost to their offensive capabilities and give them a dynamic top line that can compete with the best in the league. While the price to acquire him will be significant, the Wild have the assets to make it happen. With their cap space opening up, the time is now for Minnesota to make a bold move and bring in Larkin to push them over the top.
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