Bleacher Report’s Lyle Richardson posted a “trade board” this morning, listing his top 15 candidates to be traded over the course of the upcoming season, and he does not mince words when it comes to Dylan Larkin’s fate and the complications surrounding actually trading the Red Wings forward:

2. Dylan Larkin, Detroit Red Wings

For the second straight month, Dylan Larkin sits at No. 2 on our Trade Block Big Board. The 30-year-old center requested a trade during the off-season, but his narrow list of trade destinations and the Detroit Red Wings’ ongoing search for a new general manager have hampered efforts to move him.

Larkin initially asked to be traded to the Minnesota Wild, Florida Panthers, and Vegas Golden Knights. Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported the veteran center expanded his list to eight teams. Friedman believes they included the Dallas Stars, Colorado Avalanche, Washington Capitals, and Tampa Bay Lightning.

The problem is that none of those clubs have the salary cap space to take on Larkin’s $8.7 million average annual value through 2030-31. Most also lack suitable trade assets to meet the Red Wings’ high asking price, as they reportedly sought Matt Boldy from the Wild.

Unless the Red Wings lower their price, it could take weeks, perhaps months, before they finally move Larkin. That means he could remain a prime trade candidate for the foreseeable future.

Continued; it’s going to be a money-in-money-out trade if the Wings manage to earn an offer commensurate with Larkin’s value to the team.