Dylan Larkin trade hinges on one prospect: James Hagens

James Hagens is the dealbreaker in potential Dylan Larkin trade.

The Boston Bruins want suspended Detroit Red Wings center Dylan Larkin.

But the Red Wings’ asking price starts with one name: James Hagens.

And the Bruins are not willing to pay it.

According to veteran NHL journalist James Murphy, the Red Wings’ demand for Larkin begins with Hagens, the 19-year-old forward Boston selected seventh overall in the 2025 NHL Draft.

“The problem with the Bruins and the Wings is the Wings want James Hagens and the Bruins aren’t doing that,” Murphy said, as reported by an unnamed source.

Hagens is a highly regarded prospect who has yet to play a full NHL season.

He fits the timeline of Detroit’s ongoing rebuild.

The Red Wings are in the middle of a roster overhaul, and adding a young, skilled center like Hagens would align with their long-term plans.

Larkin, 30, is the Red Wings’ former captain.

He requested a trade and then refused to play, leading Detroit to suspend him.

He has given the team a list of 10 teams he would accept a trade to.

The Bruins are not on that list.

That has not stopped Boston from trying to find a way in.

Murphy’s source indicated the Bruins are attempting to convince the Red Wings to accept a different package.

“I do wonder if the Bruins could convince Detroit that Zacha is more of an immediate impact and if they include Mason Lohrei or a first round pick, does that get it done,” the source said.

Pavel Zacha is a 28-year-old center who is already producing at the NHL level.

Mason Lohrei is a 24-year-old defenseman who has started the season strong.

“I’ve heard Mason Lohrei too but I gotta think with the start that kid has had and where their team is, not sure that’s happening either,” the source added.

The proposed offer from Boston would reportedly include Zacha, Lohrei, and a first-round draft pick.

That package is well below the “prohibitive” price tag that has been rumored for Larkin.

Neither Zacha nor Lohrei are considered bad players.

But they are not on the same level as Hagens, who represents a potential franchise cornerstone.

For the Red Wings, the calculus is simple.

They are rebuilding.

They want young assets with high ceilings.

Hagens fits that description.

Zacha, at 28, does not fit the same timeline.

Lohrei, at 24, is closer but still not the same caliber of prospect as Hagens.

A first-round pick is valuable, but it is not a sure thing.

Hagens is already a sure thing in the eyes of Detroit’s front office.

That is why they are holding firm.

Larkin’s camp is also holding firm.

The suspended forward has not expanded his trade list beyond the original 10 teams.

Multiple reports indicate his camp has “dug their heels in even more” as the standoff continues.

According to Daily Faceoff’s David Pagnotta, there is a belief that one side will blink by U.S. Thanksgiving.

“I was given this until U.S. Thanksgiving before somebody budges, be it [Larkin] or the Wings’ side,” Pagnotta said on a recent episode of Daily Faceoff LIVE.

“So we’ve got three weeks to go or something like that, before we hit that mark.”

Pagnotta noted that many around the league expected an adjustment by now.

“Obviously, it hasn’t happened yet, and they’ve dug in,” he said.

There is also a formal deadline on Larkin’s side.

He has until December 1 to sign a contract, or else he cannot play this season.

That deadline adds pressure to Larkin’s camp to find a resolution.

But so far, they are not budging.

Meanwhile, other teams are watching closely.

Montreal, Buffalo, and Boston are among the clubs that are not on Larkin’s list but are interested.

“Going, ‘Hey, please let us know. We want to make this happen. Can he change his mind yet, or what?’” Pagnotta said.

“They’re just kind of waiting.”

The situation has created a standoff with no clear end in sight.

The Red Wings hold the asset.

Larkin holds the list.

The Bruins hold Hagens.

None of the three parties appear willing to move first.

For Boston, the question is whether they can find a way to make a deal without including Hagens.

The team’s front office, led by general manager Don Sweeney, is reportedly not interested in including the young forward.

“Don Sweeney isn’t going anywhere near that deal even with a 10-foot pole,” Murphy’s source said.