What happened: The Florida Panthers sent forward Mackie Samoskevich to the Seattle Kraken on Sunday for the No. 25 pick in this year's draft and a second-round selection in 2027. The move stocked Florida with two first-round and multiple second-round picks. Speculation immediately followed that the added capital could set up a run at Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin, who requested a trade roughly three weeks ago.

Why it matters: Larkin's reported short list initially included only the Panthers, Vegas Golden Knights and Minnesota Wild, putting Florida in a prime position if it chooses to push. As a division rival in the Atlantic, the Panthers landing Larkin would reshape the top of the conference. There has been no official word from Larkin, agent Pat Brisson, or Detroit GM Steve Yzerman on the request.

What to watch: Watch whether Florida packages its new draft capital into a Larkin offer, and whether Larkin's camp formally widens a trade list beyond its original three teams.