Dylan Larkin’s trade is nearly impossible, but if it ever happened, Detroit has clear leadership options ready to step up.

It’s been a long time since the Detroit Red Wings had a true number-one center in their prime, one who could control all three zones, drive play, and be the heartbeat of a contender.

The Detroit Red Wings are in need of a consistent second-line center. This trade pitch sees Hockeytown play host to a new star in town.

Dylan Larkin (right) celebrates his game-winning goal with teammate Matt Boldy during Team USA's 3-1 win over Canada in the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament on Feb. 15, 2025.© AP ...

The 24-year-old Larkin succeeds Henrik Zetterberg, who was Detroit's captain from 2012-2018. The team hadn't named a captain for the past two seasons, during which time Larkin served as an ...

Larkin, 27, has 26 goals and 28 assists for 54 points in 55 games this season. The Red Wings hold the first of two Eastern Conference wild-card spots and are on track to return to the playoffs and ...

Dylan Larkin, Patrick Kane at morning skate before a game against the Carolina Hurricanes at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan on December 14, 2023. (Allison Farrand / Ilitch Sports) ...

Detroit Red Wings' Dylan Larkin in action during an NHL hockey game against the Philadelphia Flyers, Saturday, March 25, 2023, in Philadelphia.

Detroit — Dylan Larkin, as expected, is staying with the Red Wings. Larkin, the Wings’ captain, and the Wings agreed Wednesday to an-eight year contract extension worth $69.6 million ($8.7 ...

The next massive contract the Detroit Red Wings dole out will go to Dylan Larkin. The question is when. It appears it will be later rather than sooner. While there is no rush to get the 26-year ...

At the time, Hyman didn’t personally know Dylan Larkin, the incoming freshman from the U.S. National Team Development Program who the Detroit Red Wings drafted 15th overall that summer.

Detroit Red Wings center Dylan Larkin (71) passes the puck against Florida Panthers center Carter Verhaeghe (23) and Florida Panthers defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson, right, during the first ...