Canadian NHL team believes they're acquiring Dylan Larkin in off-season trade

Considered untouchable by most analysts and fans of the Detroit Red Wings, Dylan Larkin, the team captain, has been involved in surprising trade rumours recently.

Indeed, in a recent report, it was suggested that a Canadian NHL team could be looking to acquire Larkin on the trade market this summer.

Larkin, who's only entering the third year of his eight-year, $8,700,000 AAV contract, mentioned his loyalty to the Red Wings many times. If he were to get traded, the Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman would need to get an offer he can't refuse.

Also, Larkin has a no-trade clause in his contract, meaning the Red Wings will need his permission to move him.

But other developments suggest Detroit could consider trading him.

During his end-of-season media availability, Larkin made a big comment directed at Yzerman, saying the team didn't get momentum at the trade deadline, and asking to see more action from management in the future:

This small jab at Yzerman could end up being one of the first signs of a Larkin trade.

Another one could be that Larkin has ties within the Canucks organization, with former teammate Filip Hronek and fellow University of Michigan alumnus Quinn Hughes.

The Canucks are looking to add depth at the centerline, and Larkin would be a great fit.

As for the Red Wings, acquiring a defenseman could be in their plans, and the Canucks could provide a solution to their problem in Elias Pettersson (D).

However, Larkin could bring a very interesting return to Detroit, and it would be surprising to see Yzerman settle for Pettersson and a few picks when he could get something more enticing from another team.