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Nearly a month into the 2026-27 campaign, speculation continues to mount regarding Detroit Red Wings top-six center Dylan Larkin. The Montreal Canadiens have frequently been linked to Larkin, even though his 10-team trade list does not include them.
During Sunday's Heritage Classic, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman appeared on The NHL on TNT and described the situation between Larkin and defenseman Simon Edvinsson as "percolating." Friedman added that Detroit has been contacting teams to inquire about young centers, whether established NHLers or top prospects.
Montreal's interest in Larkin is well-documented, and his 10-team list is public knowledge. The unknown is whether Larkin could be persuaded to waive his no-trade clause for Montreal. Even if he were willing, the Canadiens would need to meet Detroit's steep asking price. All three parties must align for a deal to materialize.
Friedman was asked about the possibility of Larkin expanding his list and immediately brought up Montreal. He noted that the fans cheering for Larkin when Detroit played in Montreal had an impact. Friedman opined that any trade would require Montreal and Detroit to agree on a deal and then present it to Larkin for approval to waive his no-trade clause.
On Monday, Sportsnet's Eric Engels appeared on The Sick Podcast With Tony Marinaro and reacted to Friedman's comments. Engels reported that the asking price for Larkin is prohibitive, limiting the number of teams that could complete a trade. He also theorized that Larkin might prefer to help Detroit secure a strong return, which could be undermined by publicly expressing a willingness to join Montreal.
Key Analysis: Detroit's High Demands and Montreal's Potential Offer
Engels stated that the Red Wings are aiming for a "grand slam" in any Larkin trade. Larkin has been Detroit's top center, and the team seeks a return befitting that status. Engels noted that Larkin, at 30, is on a contract that could age well if his play remains at its current level.
The challenge for Detroit is that the teams on Larkin's list may not be able to offer the package the Red Wings desire. Contenders are often reluctant to create holes elsewhere or make lateral moves to acquire Larkin.
However, Montreal can construct a strong offer. As Engels pointed out, the Canadiens possess a mix of roster players, picks, and prospects that could surpass any offer from teams on Larkin's list. He also noted that if Larkin's openness to Montreal became public, it would weaken Detroit's negotiating position. Engels suggested that Larkin might want to do right by Detroit, especially since the situation is being portrayed as him wronging the organization.
Even if Larkin has softened his stance on playing in Canada, there is a real question whether Montreal general manager Kent Hughes would be willing to pay the prohibitive price. Having a deep prospect pool does not guarantee Hughes will empty it for one player, and the Canadiens may be adjusting their strategy as their prospects develop.
Scouting Trail Heats Up
If the Red Wings are trying to divert attention from the rumors, their actions suggest otherwise. According to Pierre LeBrun, Detroit assistant general manager Kris Draper was scheduled to scout the Canadiens' game on Tuesday. That marks three of Montreal's last four games that Draper has attended.
Detroit may be using the rumors to drive up the asking price from other interested teams. The sustained speculation suggests there may be substance to the trade talks. While the rumors could be generated by the Red Wings to pressure teams on Larkin's list, Montreal's interest is genuine, and the Canadiens are monitoring the situation closely, ready to act if a deal can be made.
Originally reported by yahoo.