A Summer of Uncertainty in Detroit and Anaheim
The Detroit Red Wings and Anaheim Ducks find themselves in unexpected offseason predicaments, and some observers suggest a trade between the two could resolve their respective issues. The Red Wings missed the playoffs after holding a playoff spot every month until April, leading to a turbulent summer that included Steve Yzerman stepping away from the general manager role and captain Dylan Larkin requesting a trade. Meanwhile, the Ducks’ plans were disrupted when they matched Philadelphia’s five-year, $90 million offer sheet for Leo Carlsson, creating an $18 million per season cap hit that squeezed their flexibility.
The Larkin-for-Gauthier Scenario
One speculative solution involves a 1-for-1 swap sending Larkin to Anaheim and Cutter Gauthier to Detroit. Larkin, who carries an $8.7 million cap hit for the next five seasons, would fulfill his trade request and join a young, up-and-coming team where he could slot into a second-line role. For the Red Wings, acquiring Gauthier—a 40-goal scorer just entering his prime—would provide a young offensive piece while shedding Larkin’s salary.
Gauthier’s camp is reportedly seeking a $15 million average annual value, which would be a significant commitment. By moving Larkin, Detroit would free up roughly $27.5 million in cap space, enough to sign Gauthier and address other needs. However, Gauthier is not a center, and the Red Wings are building around a core that includes Moritz Seider and Lucas Raymond, so fit would be a consideration.
Anaheim’s Cap Crunch
The Ducks matched the offer sheet for Carlsson, but that decision left them with roughly $9.1 million in projected cap space with a 22-player roster. They still need to re-sign Gauthier, who scored 41 goals last season. To become cap-compliant, Anaheim may need to move out players such as Chris Kreider, Alex Killorn, Frank Vatrano, or Mikael Granlund. Trading for Larkin would add a veteran center but wouldn’t solve their immediate cap issues.
Detroit’s Cap Space as an Asset
Beyond the Larkin speculation, the Red Wings have about $19.6 million in cap space, with $8-$10 million reserved for Simon Edvinsson’s new contract. That leaves roughly $9-$11 million unallocated. Detroit’s next GM could use that space to acquire assets, possibly taking on salary from teams in need of relief. Teams with cap issues include Vegas, Dallas, and Toronto, and the Red Wings could attach a draft pick or prospect to such deals to maximize value.
DeBrincat’s Future in Detroit
Another key storyline in Detroit involves Alex DeBrincat, who is coming off a career year with 41 goals and 44 assists for 85 points in 82 games. The 28-year-old Michigan native is entering the final year of his contract and is eligible for an extension this year. With Patrick Kane departing to Chicago, there is some uncertainty, but Detroit insider Bob Duff said on NHL Tonight: “As long as the Wings are willing to pay him market value, I think he’ll lean towards staying here…if they want him, and I think they do.” Duff added, “From talking to Alex at the end of the season, he wants to be here, he’s from Michigan…he likes having his family close.” DeBrincat’s current cap hit is $7.875 million, and he is expected to command a significant raise.
Perspectives
- Pro-Larkin Trade: Proponents of a Larkin-for-Gauthier deal argue it solves both teams’ problems—Detroit gets a young scorer and cap relief, while Anaheim adds a veteran center. The Red Wings could then use their newfound space to sign Gauthier and possibly acquire additional assets.
- Skeptical of Gauthier Fit: Some may question whether Gauthier, a winger, fits Detroit’s needs, especially with a core built around Seider and Raymond. His reported $15 million ask could also be seen as excessive for a player yet to prove consistency at the NHL level.
- Ducks’ Cap Dilemma: Anaheim’s situation is more about managing the aftermath of the Carlsson offer sheet. Trading for Larkin wouldn’t alleviate their cap pressure, and they may still need to move out other players to become compliant.