Is Danila Yurov's early breakout giving Wild some pause in Larkin pursuit?

Bill Guerin and the Minnesota Wild have been hot on the trail of Detroit Red Wings center Dylan Larkin for several months, ever since Larkin requested a trade in early June. Guerin, who previously served as GM of USA Hockey, is familiar with Larkin from their time together. The 12-year veteran, who has recorded five consecutive 30-goal seasons, is the type of top-line center the Wild have been seeking.

However, no trade has materialized as the Wild have been unable to sweeten the pot with the kind of assets Detroit desires. Their best realistic trade package likely includes Danila Yurov, prospect Charlie Stramel, another prospect similar to David Spacek, and a 2027 first-round pick. While the exact offer from the Wild remains uncertain, it has failed to entice the Red Wings.

Only nine games into the NHL season, a new aspect of the Wild's pursuit for Larkin has emerged. Yurov, a 22-year-old Russian, has had an impressive start to his second season, scoring four goals in nine games, tying a career-high with four shots on goal, and maintaining a 56.6 percent faceoff win rate. Despite these impressive numbers, Yurov has been playing in a middle-six role and on the second power-play unit.

As Yurov continues to impress, the question arises whether the Wild should reconsider their approach in pursuing Larkin or if they are confident that trading Yurov and additional assets is the right decision.