It might seem a bit implausible to think that the Detroit Red Wings and Anaheim Ducks would be in a similar situation at this juncture of the offseason. And as bizarre as it may sound, a Dylan Larkin trade could untangle the mess both clubs face.
The mess that is the Red Wings’ GM situation and Larkin uncertainty is no secret. It’s well documented and leaves little room for discussion.
What does seem surprising is the situation befalling the Ducks. GM Pat Verbeek had everything seemingly figured out heading into this offseason. That was until the Leo Carlsson offer sheet threw a monkey wrench in the works.
So, could a Dylan Larkin trade involving Detroit and Anaheim solve matters? It might just work out if the piece coming the other way was Cutter Gauthier.
Does this thesis mean a 1-for-1, Larkin-for-Gauthier deal? Possibly. Both organizations might see the value in just swapping problems, hoping that the player coming back the other way would ultimately become part of the solution, not the problem.
For the Red Wings, a Dylan Larkin trade fulfills the player’s request. Larkin bolts the Motor City and lands on a young, up-and-coming team. Since Larkin wouldn’t be “the guy” in Anaheim, he can recede into a second-line role. Such a situation could help the 30-year-old rediscover the game that once made him one of the hottest commodities in the league.
As for Gauthier, the Red Wings have the cap space to pay him. The club would drop nearly $9 million from Larkin’s contract, allowing the team to up the rest for what would be Gauthier’s asking price.
The question remains, however, how does each player fit into their new team?
Dylan Larkin Trade Gives Anaheim Cost Certainty
The huge issue for the Ducks is the fact that Carlsson’s unexpected cap hit put the kibosh on re-signing Gauthier. Plus, Carlsson’s astronomical cap hit also put even more pressure on the Ducks to pay Gauthier more.
Since Carlsson got $18 million per season, the situation emboldened Gauthier’s camp to reportedly seek a $15 million AAV.
That’s why pulling off a Dylan Larkin trade gives the Ducks cost certainty. The Ducks would get an $8.7 million cap hit for the next five seasons. That’s much more manageable, allowing the club to keep Chris Kreider and Alex Killorn while leaving some room for additions down the line.
Of course, this entire idea hinges on Larkin agreeing to go to Anaheim. Given the little interest from Vegas, Dallas, and Florida, Anaheim would actually make sense.
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Gauthier Isn’t Exactly What Red Wings Need, but Helps Team Turn the Page
As for Gauthier in Detroit, well, he’s not exactly what the Red Wings need. But he does allow the organization to turn the page following the Dylan Larkin trade request.
It’s the sort of move that adds a young player who could help the club continue building around a core based on Moritz Seider and Lucas Raymond.
Yes, there’s also the matter that Gauthier is not a center. But it would be very hard for the Red Wings to pass up the opportunity to add a 40-goal scorer just entering the prime of his career.
Dumping Larkin’s contract would give the Red Wings about $27.5 million to sign Gauthier. That’s enough room, allowing the club to go out there and see what upgrades it can acquire down the middle.
The Larkin-for-Gauthier idea isn’t really ideal for either team. But it’s a heck of a lot better than the situation facing both sides at the moment.
Dylan Larkin Trade Could Solve Ducks’ Massive Problem, Too