The Boston Bruins have become the latest team to be hot on the trail of former Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin.
While the Bruins are not on Larkin’s trade list, the club is doing its part to see if there might be a way to convince Larkin and the Red Wings to swing a deal with Boston.
But there is one piece that is the definite dealbreaker at this point: James Hagens.
According to veteran NHL journalist James Murphy, the Red Wings’ ask for Larkin begins with Hagens. However, there is no way that’s going to be happening anytime soon.
“The problem with the Bruins and the Wings is the Wings want James Hagens and the Bruins aren’t doing that. I’ve heard Mason Lohrei too but I gotta think with the start that kid has had and where their team is, not sure that’s happening either.”
The comments, as reported by an unnamed source, point to definite interest but a ridiculously high price tag. Needless to say, Don Sweeney isn’t going anywhere near that deal even with a 10-foot pole.
While there have been other pieces talked about as part of a Dylan Larkin trade, the talks don’t appear to be getting too far between Detroit and Boston, unless the Red Wings back off their desire for Hagens.
Bruins trying to convince Red Wings to take Pavel Zacha instead of James Hagens
Per Murphy’s source, the Bruins are doing their best to convince the Red Wings that Pavel Zacha is the better choice for them right now. The rationale is based on the fact that Detroit needs someone who can step in at the moment.
“I do wonder if the Bruins could convince Detroit that Zacha is more of an immediate impact and if they include Mason Lohrei or a first round pick, does that get it done.”
So, if those comments are accurate, the Bruins would think about sending Pavel Zacha, Mason Lohrei, and a first-round pick for Dylan Larkin.
If that’s indeed the offer, it would be well below the “prohibitive” price tag rumored to be on Larkin. While neither Zacha nor Lohrei are bad players, they’re not quite on the same level as Hagens. And while Hagens is very much a prospect at this point, the former seventh-overall pick would fit the Red Wings’ rebuild just fine.
As it stands, it may just be a matter of time before the Red Wings fold. The talk has been that the Wings are asking Larkin to expand his trade list. His camp isn’t budging right now. That’s why the team that makes a Dylan Larkin trade happen might just be the one with the most patience.
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