What happened: Steve Yzerman has requested that Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin expand his current trade list to facilitate a potential deal. The move has sparked a bidding war between the Montreal Canadiens and several powerhouse contenders eager to acquire the veteran center.

Why it matters: The trade sweepstakes intensified following Larkin's request to exit Detroit after a decade of missed postseasons. While Montreal was not on the captain's initial shortlist, their deep pool of young assets and draft capital has made them a formidable suitor in the ongoing negotiations.

What to watch: Expect trade talks to accelerate as the June 2026 NHL Draft approaches, with Yzerman seeking a high-end return for the franchise icon.