The Dylan Larkin drama in Detroit is far from over. Larkin remains a Detroit Red Wing despite demanding a trade a while ago. Finally, Larkin recently expanded his trade list from three teams to 10.
Some teams don't have a chance to trade for Larkin for various reasons, while others stand out as ideal suitors. The Utah Mammoth seem like the best fit among the 10 teams.
Why would Utah even want Larkin?
The Mammoth aren't really in need of a center with Logan Cooley, Nick Schmaltz, Barrett Hayton (who they can't trade in 2026-27), and even Vincent Trocheck.
Trocheck has played on the wing despite being a center for his entire career. Technically, Utah already has four capable centers, in addition to having a mega prospect center in Caleb Desnoyers. So the question remains: why would Utah need Larkin?
He would upgrade the team by playing well in multiple facets of the game. Larkin has struggled through 10 games so far, but he can settle in and play well once he leaves Detroit. The Mammoth can always rearrange their center group and could even trade a guy like Desnoyers for Larkin.
The Mammoth probably shouldn't trade a guy like Desnoyers, but sometimes teams will go far to improve.
What makes Utah stand out?
Utah has many youth and assets. The Mammoth gave up a lot for Trocheck, and they still have some assets from their trade of JJ Peterka.
The Mammoth would have to free up some salary room, but that shouldn't be an issue because the Red Wings are likely looking for NHL-ready talent. The Mammoth, quite honestly, have an issue that isn't a bad one: they have too many wingers.
Other teams on the list don't have the amount of young talent and picks that Utah does. If the Mammoth want Larkin Utah, then Larkin is probably heading to Utah.
With Utah missing out on Connor Hellebuyck, it might not want to miss out again on a superstar.
Utah just can't give up too much in the end. But if the Mammoth can make a trade happen, then why not pull the trigger?
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