What happened: David Pagnotta said on DFO Insider that Philadelphia has checked in repeatedly on Dylan Larkin with Detroit holding the answer at no. Larkin made his season debut Tuesday with one goal and two points to power Detroit to its first win. He opened the season after a trade request and removal as captain.

Why it matters: Philadelphia sits 0-2-2 as the only Eastern Conference club still without a win. Center depth was already thin after an aggressive offer sheet for Leo Carlsson failed and Noah Cates opened slowly. With five years left at $8.7 million, any move for the same Dylan Larkin Detroit's owner said could stay all season hinges on him adding Philadelphia to his approved list.

What to watch: Watch whether Larkin expands his list to include Philadelphia as the standoff extends. Next checkpoint is Philadelphia finding a top center before the skid deepens.