NHL Trade Tensions, a Two-Center Swap and Josh Manson’s Injury Lead the Week’s News

The NHL’s first full month has brought major questions about team control and roster depth. Dylan Larkin and Nikita Kucherov have both told their clubs they don’t intend to stay, Seattle and Nashville have exchanged young centers seeking a reset, and Colorado must cover for Josh Manson’s lengthy injury absence.

Trade standoffs take shape in Detroit and Tampa Bay

Dylan Larkin’s trade request from Detroit has moved from the background to an active standoff. He reported to training camp and played heavy minutes when healthy, but has since left the team and is suspended without pay. The Red Wings say Larkin told them he will no longer play for the club.

His agent, CAA’s Pat Brisson, said, “Dylan’s had enough of the situation. We believe he’s been very professional and cooperative through this process.” Larkin has provided a list of 10 teams he would accept a trade to. At least half appear to lack the cap room or roster need, and interim general manager Shawn Horcoff has yet to receive an offer that meets the team’s expectations. Detroit’s suspension also keeps Larkin’s salary off its cap while he’s away.

Tampa Bay faces a more striking version of the same problem with Nikita Kucherov. An extension looked likely in July, but the sides never reached an agreement. Kucherov has since told the Lightning and his teammates that he won’t re-sign and would prefer a trade. The club has responded that it has “unequivocally no intention” of moving him.

Kucherov has played for Tampa Bay since 2013-14 and holds the franchise records for assists, with 737, and points, with 1,142. He took sole possession of the points mark this week. At 34 when his next contract begins, he is reportedly seeking a long-term deal worth about $20 million per season—more than twice his current $9.5 million salary. The Lightning’s latest reported offer was around $15 million, according to David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period. Kucherov’s first game after requesting a trade produced three assists.

A fresh start for two young centers

Seattle has sent Shane Wright to Nashville in a swap that brings Matthew Wood to the Kraken. Both centers are in the final year of their entry-level deals and will become restricted free agents this summer, giving each club a chance to assess a different young player before contract talks.

Wright, the fourth pick in the 2022 draft, had been looking for a change of scenery after spending much of his time in Seattle’s bottom six. His points total fell from 44 in his first full NHL season to 27 last year. Wood was selected 15th in 2023 and had a stronger first full NHL campaign last season, scoring 17 goals and adding 13 assists. This season, though, he had only one goal and two assists before the trade. The move gives both players a clean slate, though each will need to regain momentum quickly.

Colorado’s blue line loses Manson

Josh Manson will miss eight weeks with an ankle injury, leaving the Avalanche short on experienced defensemen. The 35-year-old has handled demanding defensive minutes on the third pair and contributed physical play and shot blocking.

Noah Juulsen is set to take the sixth defenseman spot after serving as Colorado’s seventh blueliner for much of the early season. The Avalanche have only six healthy defenders on the active roster and lack the cap space to add another player immediately. Moving Manson to long-term injured reserve is the likely next step as the team manages the gap.

Doughty wants to stay in Los Angeles

Drew Doughty, a King for 19 seasons, says he believes he can keep playing beyond 40 and hopes to finish his career in Los Angeles. The 36-year-old is set to become an unrestricted free agent. He recently hired Brisson to negotiate his next contract after representing himself on his current deal.

Doughty has said he would accept a team-friendly contract to remain with the Kings. The question now is whether the club can agree on terms that keep a longtime cornerstone in Los Angeles—and what salary concession that would take.

Photo courtesy of Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images.