Dallas Stars Trade Rumors: Jason Robertson to Detroit for Dylan Larkin

Dallas Stars general manager Jim Nill's back is against the wall as restricted free agent Jason Robertson's contract stalemate continues. According to NHL insider Pierre LeBrun, the Stars might be willing to trade Robertson to the Detroit Red Wings for center Dylan Larkin. Larkin's agent, Pat Brisson, and Detroit GM Steve Yzerman are trying to navigate a tricky situation, with Larkin's original three-team trade list consisting of the Minnesota Wild, Vegas Golden Knights, and Florida Panthers. However, Yzerman has reportedly asked the Larkin camp to expand that list to facilitate a better return. The addition of Dylan Larkin would give the Dallas Stars one of the most formidable one-two punches down the middle in the Western Conference, pairing him with Roope Hintz. Larkin plays a 200-foot game, possesses elite speed, and would thrive in a system where he isn't the sole focal point of the offense every single night. However, in this scenario, Detroit needs absolute assurances that Robertson is willing to sign a long-term extension upon his arrival in the Motor City. The Red Wings cannot pull the trigger on a deal of this magnitude unless Robertson is willing to sign a long-term extension upon his arrival in the Motor City. While Robertson instantly upgrades their top six, moving Larkin leaves Detroit remarkably thin down the middle, essentially stripping them of a legitimate first and second-line center. Yzerman would immediately have to hit the trade market or free agency to fill the massive void Larkin leaves behind. It's a high-risk, high-reward proposition for both franchises. The Dallas Stars get a two-way center in Dylan Larkin who can push them over the playoff hump, while the Detroit Red Wings get an elite goal-scorer in Jason Robertson to build around, provided they can patch the hole at center.