The Colorado Avalanche are hardly surprising as a destination for top veteran players looking for a chance to win a Stanley Cup.
Earlier this summer, we discussed the rumblings involving Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck.
Now, another interesting link has emerged, with Detroit Red Wings forward Dylan Larkin becoming a surprising connection of the Avalanche, at least according to insider Elliotte Friedman.
In the latest edition of the 32 Thoughts Podcast, the renowned NHL insider mentioned the expanded list of preferred destinations for Dylan Larkin.
“I think some of the other teams that are Colorado, Washington, and I suspect in case people didn’t know them already, Dallas and Tampa.”
Now, Colorado factors into Larkin’s expanded list of preferred destinations after it got out initially that the former Red Wings captain had three teams on his list: Florida, Vegas, and Minnesota.
That situation has changed, of course, with none of Florida, Minnesota, or Vegas showing serious interest in Larkin.
It’s also worth pointing out that Friedman’s comments do not suggest in any way that the Avalanche have made overtures to acquire Larkin. The revelation merely states that Colorado is among Larkin’s preferred destinations.
That’s why it’s important to take this rumor with a pound of salt. Just because Larkin would love to play in Colorado, it doesn’t mean that Colorado actually has interest in Larkin.
Avalanche unlikely to get very far with Dylan Larkin
As for the actual likelihood of the Avalanche trading for Larkin, well, let’s just say it’s tough to see a potential deal getting very far.
The Red Wings' asking price for Larkin is astronomical. And it’s unlikely interim GM Shawn Horcoff will slash the sticker price just to get a deal done. Since Larkin is willing to play even with the trade request hanging over his head, the actual rush to trade him just isn’t there.
Meanwhile, Avalanche GM Joe Sakic would certainly be wary of paying anything close to what the Red Wings would want for Larkin. And even if Sakic could find something he’s comfortable with, there are two other obstacles in this deal.
Firstly, Larkin’s $8.7 million cap hit all but puts the kibosh on any potential deal. The Avalanche would have to clear a boatload of salary just to fit Larkin’s cap hit. And since Detroit seems unwilling to retain any salary, well, that’s that.
Secondly, the Avalanche just don’t have a lineup spot for Dylan Larkin. The gold-medal winner would likely take the place of another gold-medal winner, Brock Nelson. So, would that mean dropping Nelson down in the lineup? Would it mean trading Nelson as part of a potential Larkin deal?
Those are all ridiculous questions that just don’t make sense.
The bottom line is that Dylan Larkin is a third-line center on a deep team like Colorado. There is just no way that this deal makes sense for the Avalanche. Unless the Red Wings were willing to retain half of Larkin’s cap hit and the price tag was something like two fifth-round picks, there’s just no way any of this makes sense.
But stranger things have happened. And if the situation gets to an unsustainable point, things may shift toward Dylan Larkin actually landing in Colorado.
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