Detroit doesn't consider that

I don't know, it's possible they do. Considering they're getting both of Vegas' first round picks from the past two drafts (both of which are centers), another first along with a third, and a replacement with Stephenson, this is a very good haul for Larkin at his current market value. Stephenson is only two years older than Larkin and he got more points last year.

Value aside detroit just can't afford to move Larkin.

I understand Larkin is a very good player, but Detroit really isn't going to be competitive for 3-5 more years. Sure Larkin will still be in his prime, but it may be worth the gamble at 2 first round centers and another first round pick, plus they won't have to pay Larkin's next contract so they can go out and get a few more players.

Yep. Hate to get better.

Carolina is the team that can't afford it. No cap and just dumped1st and 3rd rd picks. Don't see them dumping 2nd and 3rd rd picks for a third line one year rental...

Not really. You didn’t even give up the VGK top prospect.

Larkin is getting 3 1st and an NHL center. He isn't Eichel so that sounds like a great haul.

VGK prospect pool isn’t good and they’re not giving up the best prospect they have. It’s a bad return for DET.

If we had a real good center prospect that looked like he could take Larkin place even if it was a work in progress but we just don't. I like stephenson though. I think the value of that deal is spot on though.

No way DET trades Larkin. The reasons being:

1. DET hasn't traded its captain since before the Illitch family bought the team (Yzerman, Lidstrom, Zetterberg, Larkin). They actually made Larkin wait for the C with the intention that he'd retire with it on. Family and publicity are also part of the Illitch legacy.
2. Larkin is a hometown kid. Played in the Wings sponsored programs across Detroit. The Illitch family won't allow that connection to be given away unless Larkin asks for it.
3. Yzerman knows a thing or two about how to play C and be a captain. Remember, he didn't win his first cup until he was out of his prime (31).
4. While Larkin may not be an "elite" C, you need more than 1 C to win. Giving him away for "maybes" when you have a sure thing isn't how to build a team, or a legacy. Remember, Steve was almost traded to OTT before he won a cup (DET doesn't win a cup, let alone 3, without Yzerman).
5. Unless you think this team is more than 7+ years away, he would still be an incredibly useful piece into his 30s (7 years he'll be 32).
6. Finally, you need to ice a competitive team for the fans to show up.

If Larkin walked into Chris Illitch's office and said he wanted out, they'd try their hardest to get him to stay, and then trade him for a package like this (though, knowing Yzerman's pattern, this wouldn't do it). Stephenson is 2 years old than Larkin even. Dean and Brisson are B prospects at best, and the 1st rounder would be at the end of the 1st round. It's not like VGK is giving Yzerman early lottery picks.

CAR has no cap space, like CHI when they traded for Jones and Fleury.