Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin cannot be traded until his no-trade protection list expands, according to a report from Pierre LeBrun. The restriction effectively prevents Detroit from moving their franchise centerpiece despite recent trade speculation linking him to the New Jersey Devils.
LeBrun's reporting indicates that Larkin's current contract includes a no-movement clause that limits the team's ability to deal him. The clause requires the player to submit an expanded list of teams he would accept a trade to before any transaction can proceed. Until that list is provided and finalized, the Red Wings have no mechanism to trade their longtime captain.
The news comes amid ongoing discussions about Detroit's direction as they continue their rebuild. Larkin, 30, has spent his entire NHL career with the Red Wings since being selected 15th overall in 2014. He has served as team captain since 2021 and remains the face of the franchise with 669 points in 738 career games entering the 2026-27 season.
Speculation about a potential move to New Jersey emerged recently, but LeBrun's clarification on the contractual hurdle makes any immediate trade unlikely. The Devils, who have been building a competitive roster around young stars, would represent a logical destination if Larkin ever waives his protection, but that scenario remains contingent on the player's willingness to expand his approved trade list.
