Dylan Larkin’s trade request sent shockwaves through the NHL world, and rightfully so. There are several teams, even some playoff teams, in desperate need of a top-6 center, including the Philadelphia Flyers.

Teams like the Boston Bruins and Minnesota Wild have long been linked to top centers, as have the Flyers. So insiders believe rising teams like the San Jose Sharks and Anaheim Ducks could join the fight – the Flyers belong in that category as well.

The fit is there for a lot of teams. That’s because of the way Larkin plays. His offensive game, while he’d still be the Flyers’ top center, is not what earns his paychecks. The 6’1″ center plays a renowned two-way game. Larkin is incredibly responsible on all 200 feet of the ice. He plays a solid game along the boards and has speed to keep up.

For the past 5 seasons, Larkin has been a 30+ goal-scorer, something plenty of teams would pay a premium for.

A lockdown center that can score 30 goals is something nearly every team should be interested in.

Larkin will get to dictate the situation a little bit since he has a no-trade clause this year and next.

One of my biggest questions about the whole situation is how mutual is it? If the split is mutual, he may work with Red Wings’ GM Steve Yzerman to get a good return for his hometown club. But, if it’s not so mutual, Larkin can dictate things a little and say that he’d only go to certain teams.

That would drastically change the trade value.

What we do know for certain is that it will not be cheap to trade for Dylan Larkin.

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What Could a Dylan Larkin Trade Cost the Flyers?

We mentioned that how mutual the trade request is could dictate what the return package is for Dylan Larkin. Another key factor: What is Yzerman’s plan beyond trading Larkin? Is this the start of a rebuild in Detroit? Or, will the Red Wings’ GM target players to help him win now?

The latter will most certainly play in the Flyers’ favor.

If this becomes a race of who can send Detroit the best package of prospects, the Flyers likely could not keep up. Unless they’re willing to include Matvei Michkov, Porter Martone, or Tyson Foerster, the Flyers won’t be able to land Larkin if they’re looking for a return around prospects.

But it’s been 10 seasons since the Red Wings last made the playoffs. If they start the rebuild now, it could get closer to 15+ years. That could be disastrous for Yzerman. Finding a return for Larkin that keeps them competitive might be their best option.

If it becomes a race for who can put the best package of NHL-ready players together, the Flyers have a much better chance.

Rasmus Ristolainen has long been linked to trade rumors. One team that constantly seems to be involved in those rumors is the Red Wings. That interest may be a little lower after they acquired Justin Faulk at the trade deadline. Still, the previous interest has been noted.

Owen Tippett is another player seen as a premier trade chip in the Flyers’ possession. Tippett had a breakout towards the end of the regular season and in the playoffs. Teams have taken notice. The Flyers’ logjam at winger needs to be solved this offseason as well.

Detroit will likely require a center comparable to Larkin in return. Philadelphia does not have one to offer. If Detroit wants a center back, it would almost have to be Noah Cates. Trading Trevor Zegras would make no sense. They just signed Christian Dvorak, and gave him an NTC that kicks in July 1st – trading him before is a very bad look. Sean Couturier has a no-movement clause as well.

One thing that we know for certain will be required: at least a first-round pick, likely in 2026. The Red Wings traded their 2026 first-round pick to St. Louis for Justin Faulk, and it backfired. Even if it’s not a rebuild, being in this position without a 2026 draft pick is far less than ideal.

Of course, a mix-and-match with NHL players and prospects could work out as well. The Flyers likely would not trade all three experienced NHL players for Larkin. They’d have to pick and choose. Ultimately, that will mean prospects need to be involved.

Center prospects Jett Luchanko, Jack Nesbitt, and Jack Berglund will lead the charge. I am curious if someone like Alex Bump or Denver Barkey, two prospects who made an impact last season in the NHL, could be of interest.

Again, it’s not, and never will be all of the above for Larkin. But alongside their 2026 first-round pick, the Flyers have an interesting cabinet of assets that could pull off a deal for Larkin.

It Will Likely Be an Overpay, But It’s An Avenue Philly Needs to Explore

I am going to inject my opinion here.

Is Dylan Larkin a bona fide top-10 center? No. But, I am confident that he is a top-20 center, and probably even top-15. Larkin would also be, by far, the top center on the Flyers roster.

Whenever Larkin gets traded, to whoever it may be, the question will be asked, “Is he worth the trade package?” The brutally honest answer is, probably not. But premier centers do not become available very often. When they become available, the market value skyrockets.

In a world where names like Auston Matthews and Connor McDavid are thrown around as potential trade candidates, it’s important to remember it all comes down to one word: IF. IF Matthews does not want to be a part of a rebuild in Toronto. Or, IF Connor McDavid is finally ready to move on from the Edmonton Oilers.

We can even take it a step further. The next center on that list is Robert Thomas. He never actually requested a trade from the Blues, and at 26, he’s still young enough to lead a rebuild. St. Louis does not have to trade him, so it becomes IF the Blues decide to trade Thomas.

There are a lot of IFs for the top centers available. Larkin is not an if. He has made it known that he wants out and no longer wants to play for the Red Wings.

Passing on the opportunity to land a 29-year-old (30 when the season starts) 1C because a top-5 center MIGHT become available next season is risky. Jump to next offseason, if neither player wants out, you will come back to remember that time Larkin requested out.

Again, the price will be high. The Flyers could instead pivot to cheaper 2C options like Mason McTavish or Matty Beniers, who have both been discussed on social media lately. But neither of them resolves the 1C issue.

The Flyers need to find a 1C. That’s no secret. Larkin is available, and the cost should not scare the Flyers.

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