There has been a lot of hubbub over the last couple of days regarding Dylan Larkin. But if anyone thought that the Colorado Avalanche would be looking to poke around, they have another thing coming.
According to a recent comment in The Athletic by insider Pierre LeBrun, the Avs have about zero interest in the former Detroit Red Wings captain.
“I’m told the Avs have not engaged to this point. They’ve got a million centers, as is.”
Indeed, the Avalanche have a glut of veteran centers vying for playing time. Nazem Kadri and Nic Roy have found the need to play on the wing in order to stay in the lineup.
Additionally, Colorado can deploy Fedor Svechkov and Parker Kelly down the middle. That’s on top of Nathan MacKinnon leading the top line. That’s five centers right there, with Brock Nelson being a lock on the second line. All of that means that the Avalanche hardly need Larkin, especially when his $8.7 million cap hit would complicate the organization’s overall salary cap structure.
Oh, and then there’s the “prohibitive” price tag on the 31-year-old. That makes it an easy decision for the Avalanche to push back from the table and pass on Larkin.
Could there be a scenario in which Avalanche might be interested in Dylan Larkin?
So, could there be a scenario in which the Avalanche might actually be interested in Dylan Larkin?
The short answer to that question is no.
But the longer answer might be a bit more interesting.
The first step in that scenario would take a potential deal all the way to the offseason. Why? Well, because Nic Roy is set to become a UFA next summer. If we assume the Avs pass on re-signing Roy, that could open up a spot on the third line.
I'm sorry but Dylan Larkin needs to take his medicine.
— Jimmy Murphy (@MurphysLaw74) October 30, 2026
You're a 2C on a real Stanley Cup contender if you're lucky,
Enough. Get over yourself!#LGRW
Also, Nelson’s contract is up after next season. That means that if the Avalanche are also looking to pass on Nelson, Larkin would make a solid fill-in on the third line before moving up to the second line once Nelson departs.
But for something like that to happen, the Red Wings would have to come down significantly on their price tag. Moreover, Larkin would have to essentially twist Detroit’s arm to force a deal to Colorado, much like Artemi Panarin did with the New York Rangers and the LA Kings.
All told, it’s tough to envision this trade happening. There might just be a confluence of circumstances that could make everything work.
But looking at things on the surface as they are, it’s truly doubtful anything can materialize this season.
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