Auston Matthews can become an unrestricted free agent in 2028, and Los Angeles' search for its next top centre is worth watching from Toronto for a different reason: the Kings could still need one when Matthews' current contract expires.
Larkin's uncertain future in Detroit has created another potential opportunity for teams searching for a top-line centre. Los Angeles is particularly interesting because Anze Kopitar's retirement has left the Kings searching for their next long-term answer down the middle.
Why Los Angeles keeps getting floated as a Larkin destination
With Anze Kopitar leaving the Los Angeles Kings due to retirement, the franchise is looking for a superstar centre who can bring them back to the glory days of the early 2010s.
As it stands, the Kings have around $18 million in cap space, and four first-round picks, according to Puck Pedia. This puts them in the perfect position to acquire Larkin, who makes $8.7 million per season.
Unfortunately for the Kings, there is one major problem. The Los Angeles Kings are not on Larkin's trade list right now. Instead, the Florida Panthers, Minnesota Wild, Dallas Stars, and Las Vegas Golden Knights occupy that focus.
Furthermore, the Red Wings want more than just first-round picks. As it stands, the franchise is hoping for a first-line centre. This has made trade talks dead on arrival. So much so that pundits like Carlo Colaiacovo believe Larkin will begin the season in Detroit.
What either outcome tells Toronto about 2028
Los Angeles' current cap flexibility explains why the Kings can pursue a centre now, but it does not tell us what their books will look like in 2028. The more important question for Toronto is whether Los Angeles solves its long-term need at centre before Matthews reaches the end of his contract.
This puts the Maple Leafs' ability to sign Matthews under threat. The Kings would be able to dangle the carrot, and they would also be able to offer Matthews a job closer to his home state.
If Matthews reaches unrestricted free agency, Los Angeles would not need to trade Toronto picks or prospects to acquire him. That is precisely why the Leafs cannot afford to reach 2028 without clarity on their captain's future.
None of this means Matthews is destined for Los Angeles, or even that the Kings will pursue him. Two seasons can completely reshape both organizations. But if Los Angeles reaches 2028 without finding Kopitar's long-term successor, Toronto could enter Matthews' potential free-agent summer with a wealthy, centre-needy market waiting on the other side.
Do you believe the Los Angeles Kings will get Dylan Larkin?
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