The Dylan Larkin situation in Detroit does not appear to be cooling down anytime soon.

If anything, it sounds like this story is only getting more complicated.

The Red Wings captain has reportedly requested a trade, and when a player of Larkin’s status puts something like that on the table, the entire NHL starts paying attention. This is not some depth forward asking for a fresh start. This is the captain of the Detroit Red Wings. This is a Michigan-born player who has been one of the faces of the franchise for more than a decade. This is a top-line centre in a league where nearly every contender is looking for one.

That is why this situation has become one of the biggest storylines in hockey.

According to NHL insider Elliotte Friedman, Larkin recently requested a trade from Detroit. Friedman also noted that Larkin has a full no-trade clause both this season and next, meaning he has a lot of control over where this goes. Friedman put it pretty clearly when he wrote, “He’s a top-line centre in a league desperate for centres, so there’s going to be a ton of interest.”

And that is exactly what appears to be happening.

At first, the believed list of teams was extremely small. Reports had Larkin willing to waive for the Minnesota Wild, Vegas Golden Knights, and Florida Panthers. That alone created a tough situation for Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman. It is hard enough to trade a franchise centre. It is even harder when the player has a full no-trade clause and the list of acceptable teams is believed to be only three clubs.

But now, according to Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic, this situation may have taken another turn.

LeBrun reported that Yzerman went back to Larkin’s agent, Pat Brisson, and asked about expanding the original list of three teams. LeBrun wrote that his sense was Brisson was “receptive to that to some degree,” adding that he does not believe this is only about Minnesota, Vegas, and Florida anymore.

That is a major development.

For Detroit, this matters because the Red Wings need leverage. If Yzerman is only working with three teams, every team involved knows Detroit is boxed in. They know the player wants out. They know the no-trade clause limits the market. They know they do not have to bid against the entire league.

But if that list expands even a little, the conversation changes.

More teams means more possibilities. More possibilities means better offers. Better offers means Yzerman can at least try to protect Detroit from making a deal that feels forced.

And according to LeBrun, teams are already calling.

One of the most interesting names mentioned is the Dallas Stars. LeBrun reported that Dallas has “absolutely” checked in on the situation. That does not mean a trade is close. It does not mean Larkin is going to Dallas. But it does tell you how big this market could become if Larkin and Brisson are willing to consider more options.

The Dallas angle is especially interesting because of Jason Robertson.

Robertson is a restricted free agent, and as LeBrun pointed out, Dallas has not extended him yet, although contract talks are still ongoing. That does not automatically mean Robertson is available. It also does not mean Dallas would move him in a Larkin trade. But when you are talking about a star centre with term and a full no-trade clause, these are the types of names and possibilities that naturally get thrown into the conversation.

For Detroit, the ideal return likely has to be more than futures. The Red Wings have already missed the playoffs for 10 straight seasons. This is not a team that can simply sell its captain for draft picks and ask the fan base to be patient again. Red Wings fans have already been patient. Very patient.

That is why a player like Robertson would at least make people think. He is young, talented, and would give Detroit a high-end offensive piece to build around. Again, that does not mean it happens. But it does show the kind of asset Detroit would likely need if it is going to seriously consider moving Larkin.

The other major wrinkle is the possibility of a three-team trade.

LeBrun reported that a third team could get involved in order to help make the assets work for Detroit. That is especially important when looking at a team like Minnesota. The Wild may be one of Larkin’s preferred destinations, but straight up, they may not have the exact pieces Detroit wants in return.

That is where a third team could come in.

Maybe one team wants a player Minnesota has. Maybe another team has the type of young asset or pick Detroit prefers. Maybe the deal has to be built in layers instead of a simple one-for-one blockbuster. In today’s NHL, with salary cap issues, no-trade clauses, restricted free agents, and long-term contracts involved, complicated trades are often the only way to get something massive done.

The other important part of this story is the tone between Yzerman and Brisson.

One might assume Yzerman would be furious. After all, having your captain request a trade is not exactly a fun day at the office. But according to LeBrun, Yzerman has kept an even keel and has remained in constant communication with Brisson. The two sides are reportedly working through this respectfully.

That matters.

This could have turned ugly very quickly. A captain wants out. A proud franchise is under pressure. A general manager with a legendary reputation does not want to look like he is being pushed around. Fans are frustrated. The league is watching.

But so far, at least publicly, this appears to be handled like business.

And that is what it is.

Larkin has given everything he has to Detroit. He has been there through the rebuild, through the losing, through the missed playoffs, and through the pressure that comes with wearing the “C” for one of hockey’s most historic franchises. If he now feels like he needs a better chance to win, that is his right.

At the same time, Yzerman has a job to do. He cannot just give Larkin away because the situation is uncomfortable. He has to get a return that makes sense for the Red Wings, their future, and their fan base.

That is what makes this so fascinating.

There is no easy answer here.

Larkin controls the situation because of his no-trade clause. Yzerman controls whether he accepts an offer. Brisson is trying to help his client get to a better situation. Other teams are circling because players like Larkin almost never become available.

The original list may no longer be just Minnesota, Vegas, and Florida. Dallas has reportedly checked in. A third team could be needed. And the entire league is watching to see whether this becomes a true blockbuster or one of those situations that drags closer to the draft.

Either way, the Dylan Larkin era in Detroit suddenly feels very uncertain.

And for Red Wings fans, that has to be the hardest part.

This is not just about a trade rumor. This is about the captain. This is about the face of the franchise. This is about a player who was supposed to help lead Detroit out of the rebuild, not possibly become the biggest piece moved before it finally ends.

The business of hockey can be cold.

And right now, Detroit is feeling every bit of it.