The Daily: Does Hellebuyck Trade Kill Possible Larkin Deal?; Buium Scoring is Up

The Detroit Red Wings’ interest in the Connor Hellebuyck trade was probably second to only the two teams that were involved in the deal.

The Devils gave up 24-year-old center Dawson Mercer, coveted Swedish prospect Alexander Command, young goalie Nico Daws, veteran forward Nick Bjugstad and a second-round pick and a seventh for the 33-year-old Olympic gold medal goalie Connor Hellebuyck, 33, who simply wanted out of Winnipeg.

It’s important to the Red Wings because the Devils were among the small number of teams that were interested in acquiring Detroit’s Dylan Larkin who has asked for a trade. The package the Devils paid for Mercer is similar to what the Red Wings are looking for Larkin, 31.

The Red Wings would have likely been interested in Mercer, a 20-goal scorer and Command who was the No. 12 pick in last June’s NHL draft. The Red Wings also looking to add a first-round pick in the deal.

They are not looking for a goalie.

If the Hughes brothers are planning to end up together in New Jersey, and are hoping their friend Larkin can join them, this deal makes it a little more challenging for the Devils to come up with a package that will get a Larkin deal done.