Oilers linked to blockbuster Dylan Larkin trade as Matthew Savoie-led package puts Detroit in a difficult position

The Edmonton Oilers have been linked to a hypothetical trade for Detroit Red Wings center Dylan Larkin, with a proposed package built around Matthew Savoie. The idea, posted through PuckGM, would send Savoie, Josh Samanski, Beau Akey and Edmonton’s 2028 third-round pick to Detroit for Larkin. It comes at a complicated moment for the Red Wings, who are dealing with Larkin’s trade request but have also made it clear they are not planning a rebuild. Larkin’s contract and full no-trade clause add another layer to a deal that looks far easier to construct on paper than it would be to complete.Could Matthew Savoie-led package be enough for Dylan Larkin?Savoie is the obvious centerpiece of the proposal. The 22-year-old winger was selected ninth overall by Buffalo in 2022 before joining Edmonton in the 2024 Ryan McLeod trade. He just completed his first full NHL season, producing 18 goals and 37 points in 82 games while playing alongside Connor McDavid. That gives Detroit a young player with real NHL experience rather than a prospect who still needs years to develop.The rest of the package is less certain. Samanski appeared in 24 NHL games last season, while Akey remains an intriguing young defenseman who has yet to make his NHL debut and is recovering from shoulder surgery. Add the 2028 third-round pick, and Detroit would receive several pieces, but none offers the immediate production Larkin provides.That matters because Larkin remains a productive center. He has spent his entire 808-game NHL career with Detroit, recording 276 goals and 643 points. He also scored 34 goals and had 67 points in 74 games during the 2025-26 season.Why would the Oilers have trouble making Dylan Larkin work?The biggest obstacle for Edmonton may not be the trade package. It could be the contract.Larkin is signed through 2030-31 at an $8.7 million annual cap hit and has a full no-trade clause. His camp has reportedly circulated a preferred destination list that does not include Edmonton.There is also the roster question. Edmonton already has McDavid and Leon Draisaitl carrying a combined $26.5 million cap hit. Adding Larkin would give the Oilers another expensive center and leave less room for the depth needed around their stars.Detroit faces its own problem. Interim general manager Shawn Horcoff has said a rebuild is “out of the question,” while owner Chris Ilitch said, “He could be here all year,” referring to Larkin.That makes the proposed deal especially difficult to square with Detroit’s stated direction. Savoie could become an important player, but moving Larkin for potential rather than established production would change the Red Wings’ timeline. For now, this remains a trade construction rather than evidence that Edmonton and Detroit are close to a deal.Stay updated with the latest Asian Games 2026 news, check the Asian Games medal tally and complete Asian Games schedule.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.