Larkin to the Caps trade proposal dead on arrival

Stars and Sticks writer John Murray argues that a proposed trade sending Detroit Red Wings forward Dylan Larkin to the Washington Capitals makes no sense for Washington. The hypothetical deal, originally suggested by Jonathan Vankin of Heavy.com, would see the Capitals acquire Larkin in exchange for center Pierre-Luc Dubois, rookie center Ilya Protas, and two first-round draft picks in 2027 and 2028.

Murray views the proposed package as an unnecessary overpay by Capitals general manager Chris Patrick. He contends that Washington is already deep at center, relies heavily on Dubois's two-way play, and should retain high-end prospect Protas alongside future draft capital as the franchise plans around Alex Ovechkin's final seasons.