The Detroit Red Wings have a vested interest in what happens to Dallas Stars forward Jason Robertson over the next few days and not necessarily because they believe they can acquire him.

With the Dallas Stars unable thus far to re-sign him, they have tried to trade him. They reportedly worked out a deal with the Seattle Kraken contingent on their ability to sign Robertson. But Robertson reportedly turned down a deal for $15 million per season. The best guess was he simply didn’t want to play in Seattle because it doesn’t seem likely he will receive more than $15 million.

The reason that deal could have been important to the Red Wings was that the Stars are interested in Dylan Larkin. Some assets the Stars were going to receive may have been coming back to the Red Wings. The Kraken have the No. 7 pick in tonight’s NHL draft.

Robertson’s Seattle rejection doesn’t mean that the Stars couldn’t work out a deal with the Red Wings or with another team that would provide the Stars a collection of assets that could be flipped.

But there are other teams on Larkin’s list that are trying to make a trade work. The Minnesota Wild want Larkin but don’t have the right assets to make a deal with Detroit. There’s been speculation that the Wild are trying to make the Larkin deal by enlisting a third team as part of the negotiations.

The scenarios are changing regularly. What hasn’t changed: If Larkin is traded, the Red Wings need a No. 1 and a No. 2 center and a scoring winger. They need more scoring. They have to find that with aggressiveness in the trade or UFA markets.

The Red Wings made a minor trade Thursday when they traded Amadeus Lombardi to the New Jersey Devils for a fourth-round pick.

In Case You Missed It

The Red Wings re-signed defenseman William Wallinder because they expect him to play in Detroit this season.

The last time Detroit didn’t have a first-round draft pick it worked out fine for Steve Yzerman.

Are we penciling in Michal Postava to be the Red Wings’ No. 2 goalie next season? Probably. Maybe.

Red Wings Extra

Here is what New Jersey Hockey Now beat writer James Nichols said about the Devils acquiring Amadeus Lombardi:

“For New Jersey, it’s a low-risk add to the forward depth. The Devils’ system could use more dynamic, play-driving types up front, and Lombardi’s profile—a speedy, skilled center who can contribute offensively while bringing some grit—lines up with their strengths. Lombardi just finished his third pro season—all in the American Hockey League. He has yet to make his NHL debut. Perhaps, a change of scenery unlocks another level. (Devils GM) Sunny Mehta forks over a fourth-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft. That’s an indication he believes Lombardi could be of help soon. Or, it means he thinks Lombardi’s value is greater, which will help him flip an asset in a bigger deal ahead of the offseason.”

Hockey Now Digest

Boston: Providence coach Ryan Mougenel is heading to Vancouver to be an assistant coach. He was AHL Coach of the Year. Boston Bruins.

Colorado: Aarif Deen lays out where the Avalanche are at after making three pre-draft trades. Colorado Avalanche.

Philadelphia: Flyers trade Garnet Hathaway to the Florida Panthers for draft picks. Philadelphia Flyers.

Pittsburgh: Penguins add a forward with a pre-NHL Draft trade. Pittsburgh Penguins.

San Jose: Consensus has the Sharks drafting right-shot D Man Daxon Rudolph at No. 9 tonight. San Jose Sharks.