The Detroit Red Wings have the eyes of the NHL world focused on them, due in part to a difficult decision they will have to make. Earlier this month, Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin informed the team he would like to be traded elsewhere. Reasons for the trade request stem from the Red Wings' 10-season playoff drought and a rocky relationship with general manager Steve Yzerman. Larkin has a full no-movement clause, while Yzerman doesn't have to trade him unless he gets a sufficient offer.
This offseason might be the worst if you are a team in need of a center. Larkin wanting out of Detroit will make their roster and center depth weaker. Besides Larkin, Vincent Trocheck of the New York Rangers is other top center option available. The Red Wings were one of the teams in on Trocheck at this year's trade deadline, but the Rangers ultimately decided to keep him. If the Red Wings still wanted to go the win-now route, Trocheck would make sense as a target.
But things got a bit more complicated in regards to the potential Trocheck pursuit for Detroit. TSN NHL insider Darren Dreger reported that Trocheck has officially hired Pat Brisson and CAA to represent him. Of course, Brisson represents some of the top players in the league, one of them being Larkin.
Sources say Vincent Trochek has hired Pat Brisson and CAA to represent him moving forward. Trochek was a target of trade speculation heading into the Deadline, so this change will fuel more of that in the days ahead. Lots of teams interested.
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) June 17, 2026
Vincent Trocheck hires Dylan Larkin's agent with trade looming
That's not to say that this will automatically rule the Red Wings out on a Trocheck pursuit. Rather, it does make for another conversation that Yzerman and Brisson have to have if the former wants to bring in Trocheck.
As has been reported, Larkin only requested trades to the Vegas Golden Knights, Minnesota Wild, and Florida Panthers. The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun reports Yzerman requested that Larkin expand his wishlist, which Brisson agreed to do. So, there is no timeline on a potential trade, but if the Red Wings are looking for a first-round pick in this year's draft, the clock is ticking, as the NHL Draft begins on June 26.
For Trocheck, the Rangers do have a high-asking price for him. Specifically, they are seeking a young, pro-ready player as the center piece of trade. That's why general manager Chris Drury decided to keep Trocheck for the remainder of this past season, as he hoped the market could increase. Given the lack of centers and that Larkin will be selective in where he gets traded to, Trocheck does become an enticing option for those who are out of the running for the Red Wings captain.
Besides, would Trocheck even want to come to Detroit if his teammate from the Winter Olympics is seeking a way out? Let's not forget that he does carry a 10-team no-trade list, and by all indications, the Rangers will try and trade him to a team he is willing to go to.
The New York Post's Mollie Walker reported recently that while the Red Wings were linked to Trocheck at the trade deadline, they have not spoken to the Rangers this offseason.
The Red Wings realize that they essentially hold the entire NHL offseason in their hands. Larkin will be the huge domino to fall, and thus, could hold up Trocheck's market. Besides, even with the hiring of Brisson, Detroit may not be an ideal trade destination for Trocheck any longer.
